By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
ACCOLADES continue to pour in for currently injured big man June Mar Fajardo of the San Miguel Beermen as he leads the roster of awardees at the 2019 PBA Press Corps Awards Night set for March 16 at the Novotel Manila in Araneta City.
The newly minted six-time Philippine Basketball Association most valuable player will get the Order of Merit award from the media covering the league after garnering the most number of Player of the Week honors last season that saw his team win two of three titles.
Mr. Fajardo last Sunday claimed his sixth straight PBA MVP award at the league’s annual awards.
He, however, is expected to miss a significant time this season after injuring his leg and undergoing surgery in the offseason.
Also set to feted is Columbian Dyip star CJ Perez, who is the Scoring Champion after leading the PBA with a 20.8 point per contest average in his rookie year.
To be awarded as well is the All-Interview Team, which is given to personalities who produce quotable quotes and at the same time always make themselves available for interviews.
Making up the team are Kiefer Ravena (NLEX), Beau Belga (Rain or Shine), Vic Manuel (Alaska), Arwind Santos (San Miguel), Christian Standhardinger (Northport) and coach Yeng Guiao (NLEX).
The Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan Coach of the Year award, meanwhile, is a toss-up between San Miguel Beer’s Leo Austria and Tim Cone of Barangay Ginebra.
Other awards to be given are the Game of the Season, All-Rookie Team, Mr. Quality Minutes, Defensive Player of the Year, President’s award, and the Danny Floro Executive of the Year.
To be honored as well are the D-League Finals MVPs, namely, Cignal-Ateneo’s Thirdy Ravena (Aspirant’s Cup) and Hessed Gabo of BRT-Sumisip Basilan-St. Clare (Foundation Cup).
The PBA Press Corps Awards Night is presented by Cignal TV.
