Big man Fajardo was given the Leo Award at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan last Monday, January 14 during the awards shows 43rd year, responding to his momentous event saying, “It really so happened that I landed at San Miguel Beer, a strong team where I’ve got to be with good teammates, and we’re always figuring in the playoffs.” He added in Filipino, “I hope this isn’t the last. What I want is to improve. I don’t want to be stagnant.” During his speech, the Cebuano native also expressed his gratitude to his college coach, his team, and his family, who later joined him on-stage to accept the award.
When talking about his parents, the six-foot-ten center shared, “[My parents] are the reason why I grew like this. They may not be as big as me, but my sibling and I were raised right,” adding, “Who knew that the guy who was bullied before, now he’s got five MVP awards.”
In getting the award, Fajardo accumulated 2,436 points from stats, media, players, and PBA officials with NorthPort Batang Pier’s Stanley Pringle coming in second with 2,041 points in the MVP race. During the Commissioner’s Cup, the Beermen center averaged 20.6 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks.
During the 43rd Leo Awards, Jason Perkins of the Phoenix Fuelmasters was also awarded Rookie of the Year, Scottie Thompson bagged the Most Improved Player award, and the Sportsmanship award was handed to Gabe Norwood. In addition, along with Fajardo, Mythical First Team was awarded to Pringle, Paul Lee, Marcio Lassiter, and Japeth Aguilar.