At this point, June Mar Fajardo might really have to consider expanding his trophy room even further.
The league’s reigning, five-time Most Valuable Player has added another piece of hardware to his collection. Wednesday, Fajardo took home his record sixth straight Philippine Cup Best Player of the Conference award.
That marked the eighth BPC award of Fajardo’s career, adding to his collection – already the most in league history. He now has three more plums than mentor Danny Ildefonso.
“Thankful ako na nakuha ko BPC,” Fajardo said. “Sobrang blessed ko.
“Credit sa management, coaches and teammates kasi ‘di ko makukuha yun kung hindi dahil sa kanila, kasi mga coaches ko and teammates ko nag-create para makuha ko yung bola.”
But as in previous interviews after he wins individual distinctions, the San Miguel Beermen’s main man said what really matters most to him are championships.
“Gusto namin yung championships,” he said.
“Basta maraming championships sana, mas masaya.”
Fajardo showed how badly he wants this year’s All-Filipino title in Game Four of the Finals, on the very same night he was crowned BPC.
Fajardo finished with 31 points on 13-of-14 shooting from the field, making 12 straight baskets before missing. He also had 14 rebounds, and assist, and a block in over 32 minutes.
The Cebuano giant impressed in the win, but he warned that winning the golden hardware will not be easy, no matter how vocal they are about trying to win their fifth straight crown.
“Alam namin na hindi ganon kadaling makuha yon. Makukuha lang namin ito ‘pag sinunod namin game plan namin.”