June Mar looking at 8th Wonder

MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Beer titan June Mar Fajardo is poised to rewrite history in today’s PBA Leo Awards with SMB teammate CJ Perez and Terrafirma’s Christian Standhardinger out to spoil the Kraken’s party.

Owner of a league-high seven MVP plums, the 6-foot-10 Fajardo prowls for No. 8 in the 4 p.m. rites honoring the top performers of Season 48 versus Perez and Standhardinger who are gunning for a breakthrough.

“Masaya ako na napasali ako sa MVP race,” said Fajardo, who made a strong case for the highest individual award by winning the Best Player of the Conference in the season-ending Philippine Cup. “Good luck (to the candidates). Kung sa akin, tatanggapin ko. Ayun, good luck.”

Fajardo topped the statistical derby in the two-conference season with 42.1 statistical points behind averages of 17.8 points, a league-best 13.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 blocks as he helped SMB to title in the Commissioner’s Cup and runner-up honors in the All-Filipino.

Standhardinger, while playing for Ginebra, finished second with 37.8 SPs highlighted by 19.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. Perez, the BPC winner in the Commissioner’s Cup, ranked third with 37.4 SPs on account of averages of 18.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.9 steals.

“Parang isang malaking bonus para sa akin kung makamit ko man ‘yun (MVP), pero (I’m) just really happy na nakaka-contribute ako sa team namin,” said Perez.

Meanwhile, top pick Stephen Holt, formerly with Terrafirma but now with Ginebra, is tipped to win the Rookie of the Year accolade.

Holt (17.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.9 steals) logged 34.1 SPs in his rookie season to lead NorthPort’s Cade Flores (23.3 SPs).

Aside from the MVP and ROY, the pro league hands out the Mythical Team Selections, All-Defensive Team, Most Improved Player, Samboy Lim Sportsmanship awards.