FAJARDO IS PBA MVP 2014, SLAUGHTER IS ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 07 Jul 2014
They were two giants who once dominated Cebu's collegiate basketball league. San Miguel Beer center June Mar Fajardo played for University of Cebu while Barangay Ginebra giant Greg Slaughter was the mainstay of the University of the Visayas during their college days.
Fajardo was awarded as the 2014 Most Valuable Player of the PBA last Saturday only in his sophomore year. When he was drafted by the Beermen, then known as Petron Blaze, he was called "The Future of Philippine Basketball." It took him only more than one season to become the most dominant basketball player in the country.
Slaughter led the UV Green Lancers to Cebu Schools Athletic Federation Inc. crowns before trasfering to the Ateneo Blue Eagles to help them win two UAAP titles. Fajardo gave UC two CESAFI basketball crowns in 2010 and 2011. The Fajardo-Slaughter cage rivalry bolstered fans interest in the Queen City of the South.
Fajardo averaged 16.2 points and the PBA's top rebounder with 14.2 rebounds to succeed San Miguel teammate Arwind Santos in winning the MVP award this year.
Fajardo acknowledged his school officials, coaches, and teammates from UC. He dedicated his award to his family and also thanked San Miguel Beer for selecting him first overall in 2012.
The 6-foot-10 behemoth led the First Mythical Team which included Jayson Castro and Ranidel De Ocampo of Talk 'N Text, Mark Barroca of San Mig Coffee, and Asi Taulava of Air 21.
Fajardo and Barroca were also chosen to the All-Defensive Team together with Marc Pingris of San Mig Coffee and Jireh Ibanes and Gabe Norwood of Rain or Shine.
Fajardo also won the Most Improved Player honors to become the most awarded pro cager.
The 7-0 Slaughter won the Rookie of the Year honors and led the Second Mythical Team that also included Pingris and Peter June Simon of San Mig Coffee, Paul Lee of Rain or Shine, and Sonny Thoss of Alaska.
Two-time PBA MVP Willie Miller of Barako Bull won the Sportsmanship Award.
Photo by Solar Sports Desk.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
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