MANILA, Philippines – June Mar Fajardo was included in a major international cable sports channel’s list of the best Asian athletes of the twenty-first century.

The seven-time PBA MVP was listed by ESPN among the best 25 Asian sportsmen of the decade.

San Miguel Beer’s 6-foot-10 center made it to number 25, where he was topped by none other than fellow Filipino boxing sensation, Manny Pacquiao.

In addition to his ten championships with the Beermen, four Finals MVPs, ten Best Player of the Conference awards, nine All-Star selections, eight Mythical Five memberships, Defensive Player of the Year awards, and gold medalist status at the 2023 Asian Games, ESPN highlighted the 34-year-old Cebuano’s league record of seven MVPs.

ESPN reported of the University of Cebu graduate, “Known as ‘The Kraken,’ Fajardo has led the San Miguel Beermen to ten PBA championships and won seven MVP awards, the most in league history.”

June Mar Fajardo has been an indispensable member of the national squad ever since the FIBA Asia Championships in 2013. He was named Gilas Pilipinas’ best big man for his performance, which was most recently seen in the most recent Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Filipinos have a particular place in their hearts for basketball, and Fajardo’s unwavering greatness and considerable effect on the sport underline his huge impact on the sport.

In fact, Fajardo, Pacquiao, and Hidilyn Diaz—the nation’s first-ever Olympic gold medallist in weightlifting—were three Filipinos on the Top 25 list.

However, just two basketball players—Hall of Famer Yao Ming and Fajardo—were included in the ESPN lineup.

Yao, the 7-foot-6 Chinese cage legend, was ranked second behind Pacquiao in the 2002 NBA draft, with the Houston Rockets selecting him with the first overall choice.

Ichiro Suzuki and Shohei Ohtani of baseball, Son Heung-Min of football, Park Ji-Sung, Naomi Osaka and Li Na of tennis, Sun Yang and Joseph Schooling of swimming, Inbee Park of golf, and Lin Dan and Taufik Hidayat of badminton were among the other renowned athletes recognized.

Trivia: June Mar Sotto Fajardo

• Full Name: June Mar Sotto Fajardo
• Nickname: “The Kraken”
• Birthdate: November 17, 1989
• Nationality: Filipino
• Current Team: San Miguel Beermen, Philippine Basketball Association (PBA)
• Position: Center

Career Highlights

• Professional Debut:
  • Date: 2012-13 PBA Philippine Cup
  • Game: 102–86 loss against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
  • Performance: 9 points, 13 rebounds, 5 of 11 free throws made
• National Team Contributions:
  • First Appearance: 2013 FIBA Asia Championships
  • Latest Achievement: Key player in the latest Olympic Qualifying Tournament
  • Impact: Recognized as the best big man for Gilas Pilipinas
• PBA Most Valuable Player Awards:
  • Third MVP: Tied record with PBA legend Bogs Adornado
  • First Player: To win MVP in three consecutive seasons
• 2017-18 PBA Philippine Cup Performance:
  • Averages: 22.8 points, 13.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 2.1 blocks per game
  • Achievement: Led San Miguel Beermen to top seed
  • Recognition: Best Player of the Conference for the fourth consecutive season, sixth overall
• 2022 PBA Philippine Cup Performance:
  • Team Record: Led Beermen to the one-seed with a 9–2 record in eliminations
• Record MVP Awards:
  • Seventh MVP Award: Extended his record for the most MVPs in league history
  • Additional Honors: Selections to Mythical First Team and All-Defensive Team
• 2023 FIBA World Cup:
  • Selection: Included in the 21-man pool and made the final 12-man lineup

June Mar Fajardo’s consistent excellence and significant influence on Philippine basketball underscore his profound impact on the sport beloved by Filipinos.

Watch June Mar Fajardo closely as his remarkable abilities and leadership continue to rule the PBA. Fajardo, sometimes known as “The Kraken,” is a frightening presence on the court due to his extraordinary size and skill. Fans can anticipate more record-breaking performances from him as he leads the San Miguel Beermen, particularly in the areas of defense, scoring, and rebounding. He has already won seven MVP awards for his intelligent play and constant greatness, and he doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Keep an eye out for Fajardo’s ability to improve even more and cement his reputation as one of the best players in the PBA.