June Mar Fajardo is picking up where he left off from his latest Most Valuable Player season, leading San Miguel Beer to the top of the standings after the first week of the PBA Governors’ Cup.
Fajardo powered the Beermen to two victories out of two games in the group stage of the season-opening conference, earning him the nod as the season’s first PBA Press Corps Player of the Week.
NLEX’s Robert Bolick, TNT’s Rey Nambatac, Calvin Oftana, Poy Erram, and Rain or Shine rookies Felix Lemetti and Caelan Tiongson also emerged as candidates for the weekly honor given by the men and women covering the PBA beat.
This marks the 13th time that the eight-time MVP has received the Press Corps citation in his 12-year career.
“Bagong conference, bagong season, pero same goal pa rin which is makalaro sa Finals at makakuha sana ng championship,” said Fajardo, who hopes to bring San Miguel back to the winner’s circle after falling short to Meralco in last season’s Philippine Cup Finals.
The gentle giant averaged 25.0 points on 71-percent shooting, along with 17.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2.0 blocks in two games, from August 18 to 25. During this period, San Miguel defeated Phoenix and Blackwater to share the lead in Group B.
Fajardo opened the campaign with a stellar performance, scoring 37 points, grabbing 24 rebounds, and adding four assists, two steals, and two blocks as the Beermen overcame the Fuel Masters, 111-107, on August 21 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Against Blackwater four days later, Fajardo contributed 13 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks, playing a supporting role as import Jordan Adams scored 50 points. San Miguel overcame a first-half deficit to win 128-108.
