Is June Mar Fajardo now the PBA’s greatest of all time?
The big man just made a strong case for as much. In the 43rd Leo Awards on Sunday at the Philippine Arena, he collected his unprecedented fifth straight Most Valuable Player plum to have the most number of awards in league history.
With that feat, the 29-year-old has surpassed all-time greats Alvin Patrimonio and another San Miguel legend Ramon Fernandez, who earned four MVP trophies each during their respective careers.
But if Fajardo were asked, having the most number of MVPs isn’t enough to be considered as the greatest.
“Para sa’kin, yung MVP hindi basehan kung ikaw na ba yung pinakamagaling sa lahat. Para sa’kin, kung ano na-contribute mo sa league,” said Fajardo, who has six PBA championships so far under his belt, moments after his coronation.
For the Cebuano star, there are still more players before him who are more deserving to be considered as the GOAT. Fajardo’s response is a tad similar to the take made by all-time great Michael Jordan in an interview back in 2009.
“May mga nauna pa sa’kin. May mga legends na nauna pa sa’kin, sila yung maituturing na GOAT,” he said. “Sila yung greatest, kasi mas nauna sila sa’kin, mas marami sila na-achieve sa’kin in terms of championships, ‘di ba?
“Hindi ko rin naman sila nakalaban, baka ‘pag nakalaban ko sila hindi ako maka-porma. Para sa’kin, hindi pa, malayo pa ako.”
Fajardo though did not shy away from the fact that he is honored to be included in the GOAT conversation, but insisted that he will never claim the title.
“Siyempre, honored ako na mapa-sali sa conversation na yun, pero ‘di ko ike-claim yun.”
