In break from tradition, PBA Leo Awards to kick off season on January 13

THE PBA is set to hold the Leo Awards right on opening day of the next season on January 13 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

The league veered away from the usual practice of holding the awarding ceremony at the end of the season after giving way to the national team’s campaign in the Asian Games and the Fiba Basketball World Cup Asian qualifiers.

June Mar Fajardo is expected to win an unprecedented fifth successive MVP award. The 6-10 slotman became eligible for the league's highest individual honor despite playing just two games in Governors’ Cup due to an injury.

The other major awards that will be handed are spots in the Mythical Team, the Most Improved Player honor and the Rookie of the Year.