Although June Mar Fajardo and Scottie Thompson are teaming up to represent the nation at the ongoing 19th Asian Games, the two were locked in a close contest for the PBA Season 47 Most Valuable Player award.
Although June Mar Fajardo and Scottie Thompson are teaming up to represent the nation at the ongoing 19th Asian Games, the two were locked in a close contest for the PBA Season 47 Most Valuable Player award.
In terms of statistics, Fajardo appeared to have an advantage over his rivals; Thompson, Christian Standhardinger of Ginebra, and CJ Perez, a teammate from San Miguel Beer, were his closest pursuers.
The 6-foot-10 center, who had already won six MVP awards, took the lead after accumulating 42.2 statistical points throughout the three conferences. Perez finished in a distant second place with 36.1 points, followed by Thompson (35.5) and Standhardinger (33.6).
The Philippine Cup’s Best Player of the Conference title for Fajardo and SMB’s return to the all-Filipino throne furthered his case.
However, Thompson is also building a case for himself after winning the BPC award in the Commissioner’s Cup and supporting the Barangay Ginebra in their historic seven-game victory over the Bay Area Dragons in the midseason conference finals.
While Perez had been a consistent challenger in each of the three BPC races, Standhardinger emerged as the finest player in the Governors’ Cup, even if the Kings ultimately settled for a bridesmaid finish versus TNT.
The top four competitors also competed for spots on the Mythical Team, competing for guard positions against Maverick Ahanmisi, Kevin Alas, Aaron Black, Robert Bolick, Jayson Castro, Jio Jalalon, RR Pogoy, and Mikey Williams.
Calvin Abueva, Jamie Malonzo, Calvin Oftana, Jeron Teng, Arvin Tolentino, and Don Trollano are among the forwards and big men.
Blackwater’s Ato Ular (23.8) had a tiny advantage over other top rookies Justin Arana (22.7), Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser (22.1), Tyler Tio (19.8), and Gian Mamuyacspots in the Rookie of the Year Derby.
