Fajardo thanks UC, Ildefonso for MVP award

MANILA, Philippines -- Last year, Danny Ildefonso predicted that June Mar Fajardo will become the league's Most Valuable Player this season.

On Saturday, Fajardo proved his mentor right as the 6-10 San Miguel center ran away with the league's top individual award along with the Most Improved Player, and spots in the All-Defensive team and Mythical Five.

While his alma mater University of Cebu laid down the foundation of Fajardo's game, it was Ildefonso who helped him adjust to the pros and polished his skills to become the most dominant big man in the PBA in just his sophomore season in the league.

"Malaki man o maliit, kailangan mo pa rin ng mga taong magga-guide sa'yo. Kasi once in your life maliligaw ka ng landas pero bibigyan ka ni God ng mga taong magga-guide sa'yo pabalik sa tamang landas," said Fajardo, who almost did not graduate in high school due to cutting classes.

Fajardo's loyalty with UC despite big offers from Manila schools during his CESAFI days paid off. The Pinamungahan, Cebu native thanked his former coaches led by former pro Roehl Gomez and his teammates at UC.

"Kung ang gamot may tatak BFAD, ako naman may tatak UC," Fajardo said during his speech.

"You can't spell success without UC," added the gentle giant, who became the first Cebuano player to win league MVP.

Fajardo amassed a total of 2614 points from statistical and votes from the league, players and media.

He missed out to thank Ildefonso during his acceptance speech because he was nervous and at the same time overwhelmed.

"Hindi ko siya nabanggit kanina. Kinabahan ako, andami kong hindi napasalamatan. Pero laking pasasalamat ko sa kaniya dahil sa tulong niya sa akin hindi lang sa loob ng court kundi pati rin sa buhay," Fajardo told Philstar.com after accepting his awards.

Ildefonso, now with Meralco Bolts after a bitter parting ways with the San Miguel franchise he has served since his rookie year in 1998, immediately sent a congratulatory text to his former teammate and student.

All throughout his rookie year last season, Fajardo did extra drills with the two-time MVP (2000-01) before and after practice which worked wonders on his game.

Next on Fajardo's sight is winning a PBA championship which he hopes would come true next season. Too bad, his mentor whom he fondly calls kuya D.I. won't be on his side when that time comes.

Fajardo's rise from Pinamungahan, Cebu will be the subject of the weekly documentary series Kuwentong Gilas on TV5 which airs on Thursday at 9:30 p.m.