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San Miguel superstar June Mar Fajardo clinches his 11th Best Player of the Conference award on Sunday. PBA Images
MANILA, Philippines – San Miguel superstar June Mar Fajardo won his 11th Best Player of the Conference award on Sunday, extending his PBA record further.
The awarding took place before Game 4 of the ongoing best-of-seven title series in the 2024 PBA Governors' Cup.
Fajardo logged a total of 989 points by topping the statistical points (465) and media votes (476), although he was second in the players' votes (252).
But for Fajardo, the individual plum was only a "consolation" after failing to advance to the championship series.
READ: PBA: Fajardo wins 11th BPC award; RHJ is Best Import
"Oo nga eh," Fajardo answered when asked whether it would have been better if they clinched a Finals berth. "'Yun naman talaga 'yung goal, eh—makaabot sa finals at makakuha ng championship. So parang ito, consolation na lang."
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Fajardo said he wasn't expecting the citation as he thanked his teammates and coaches.
"Hindi [ko in-expect]. Pero masaya ako na nakuha ko 'yung award na 'to. Thankful ako sa lahat, lalo na sa mga teammates ko, sa mga coaches ko, sa mga kapwa ko players. Salamat sa kanila, nakuha ko 'yung award."
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Fajardo also commended his friend but also a competitor, Japeth Aguilar of the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, who placed second with a total of 664 points.
"Maganda rin 'yung naging conference ni Japeth," he said.
"Sa akin na lang muna 'yung BPC, sa kaniya 'yung championship," the 6-foot-10 center quipped, drawing laughter from the press.
It was the Aguilar-led Barangay Ginebra which eliminated the Beermen in the semis, 4-2.
The ever-humble Fajardo said he remains chasing titles and not solo awards.
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"So ako, gagawin ko 'yung best ko para makatulong sa team. 'Yung mga awards naman, parang reward na lang 'yun sa hard work. Pero hindi naman talaga 'yun 'yung goal ko. Hindi naman talaga ako nagche-chase ng individual awards. 'Yung chine-chase namin, same lang sa mga teammates ko—championship."
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