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[av_heading heading=’Fajardo cops historic 3rd consecutive MVP award ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
By ADRIAN STEWART CO
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MANILA – San Miguel Beermen titan Junemar Fajardo made history after capturing his third consecutive Most Valuable Player award during the 2016 PBA Leo Awards on Friday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The 6-foot-11 Cebuano center became the first player in PBA history to clinch the PBA MVP trophy for three straight years. He also tied with PBA legend William Adornado for the most number of MVP awards.
Fajardo, a Gilas Pilipinas mainstay, said that he has mixed feelings despite the historic feat after failing to lead the Beermen to a championship in the ongoing Oppo PBA Governor’s Cup.
“Masaya ako na nakuha ko ang MVP, pero malungkot ako na hindi ko natulungan ang team ko na makapunta sa PBA Finals,” Fajardo told the media after receiving his trophy.
The 26-year-old Fajardo was the runaway winner this season after previously clinching the Best Player of the Conference plum in the Philippine Cup. He averaged 20.17 points, 11.85 rebounds, 1.23 assists and 1.47 blocks for the season.
Apart from his third MVP trophy, the former University of Cebu center also captured his second consecutive Sportsmanship Award and is part of 2015-2016 Mythical First Team.
Fajardo bannered the Mythical First team alongside TNT Katropa’s Jayson Castro, Alaska Aces’ Calvin Abueva and Global Port Batang Pier’s Terrence Romeo and Stanley Pringle.
Meanwhile, Meralco Bolts forward Chris Newsome bested Katropa’s Jeth Troy Rosario for the Rookie of the Year plum, while Painters’ Jericho Cruz edged former teammate JR Quinahan for the Most Improved Player citation./PN
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