JUNE Mar Fajardo will look to be named MVP for the eighth time when the PBA hands out individual honors for the 48th Season in the Leo Awards on Sunday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The awards will be handed out at 4 p.m., right before the 49th Season opening ceremony which will then be followed by a duel between Meralco and Magnolia.
READ: What you need to know about Meralco, Magnolia before they open 49th PBA season
The main event is the handing of the MVP plum, with Fajardo once again a strong candidate.
San Miguel's cornerstone is disputing the MVP award with teammate and Commissioner’s Cup Best Player of the Conference CJ Perez as well as new Terrafirma big man Christian Standhardinger.
Fajardo, who was the BPC during the Philippine Cup, has a strong chance to win MVP again, earning 42.1 statistical points (SP) after averaging 17.8 points, 13.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 blocks during the 48th season.
While playing for Barangay Ginebra, Standhardinger was second in the SP race with 37.8 by norming 19.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. He was later traded to the Dyip during the offseason.
Perez was third in terms of SP with 37.4 after per game counts of 18.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.9 steals.
Meanwhile, Stephen Holt, now a Gin King, is primed to be hailed as Rookie of the Year after overwhelmingly winning the SP race with 34.1 when he was still with Terrafirma.
READ: Holt credits Dyip success with RoY award seemingly in the bag
Holt, who is even at No. 6 in the MVP race, is followed by Cade Flores of NorthPort, who had 23.3 SP.
Also to be awarded are the Mythical First Team and Mythical Second Team, Most Improved Player, All-Defensive Team, and Sportsmanship Award.
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