Fajardo going for Grand Slam
June Mar Fajardo believes there's one major goal left to chase in his career as he is set to become the first player to win five PBA Most Valuable Player awards.
“Grand Slam,” Fajardo said without hesitation during yesterday's PBA Media Day at the Tent at Solaire in Paranaque City.
Entering his seventh season in the pro ranks, Fajardo has accomplished almost every individual award available, including the most prestigious honor which tied him with the great Ramon Fernandez and Alvin Patrimonio.
Fajardo's name is expected to be announced as the winner of last season's MVP in Sunday's Leo Awards at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
But despite six championships, including the last four Philippine Cups, the 6-foot-10 gentle giant feels a triple crown would cement not only his individual legacy, but the current generation of Beermen's place among the great PBA teams.
“Na-feel ko na yung championship pero yung Grand Slam hindi pa,” he said. “Siyempre iba yung Grand Slam, at siyempre mahirap yun.”
(I have experienced winning championships in the past, except the Grand Slam. If course, the Grand Slam is different and it's also very difficult.)
San Miguel has been pursuing the trifecta since the 2014-15 season when its run of six titles in 12 conferences began.
The Beermen came closest in 2017 when they won the season's first two conferences, only to be eliminated by eventual champion Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the quarterfinals of the Governors' Cup.
San Miguel was quickly denied of a Grand Slam opportunity in last season's Commissioner's Cup when it fell in six games to Ginebra in the Finals.