Fajardo wins 8th PBA MVP, sets new points record

June Mar Fajardo won his eighth Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Most Valuable Player trophy on Sunday, solidifying his status as one of the league's greatest players.

Fajardo, a cornerstone player for San Miguel, narrowly edged out teammates CJ Perez and Terrafirma's Christian Standhardinger in this year's MVP race with 2,799 points, doubling the previous record set by Ramon Fernandez and Alvin Patrimonio.

The award ceremony at Smart Araneta Coliseum marked the beginning of the PBA's 49th season and the Governors' Cup, where Fajardo led the league in statistical points (SPs) last season with an average of 17.8 points, 13.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 blocks.

In his acceptance speech, Fajardo revealed that he was soaked with sweat due to stage fright but emphasized the importance of perseverance while maintaining humility despite his accolades.

Fajardo also earned a spot on both the Mythical First Team and All-Defensive Team alongside other notable players such as Arvin Tolentino, Chris Newsome, Joshua Munzon, Kemark Carino, and Cliff Hodge.