MANILA, Philippines – The Governor’s Cup is heating up and one of the reasons for this is June Mar. June Mar Fajardo is demonstrating once more why he is regarded as one of the greatest in the league following the first week of the PBA Governors’ Cup. Continuing where he left off in his most recent season as the Most Valuable Player, Fajardo has been crucial in propelling San Miguel Beer to a commanding lead in the competition.

Due to Fajardo’s outstanding play, the Beermen finished the season undefeated in the conference’s group stage. For the first time this season, he was chosen the PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for his outstanding contributions on the court. San Miguel Beer was the early favorite in the Governors’ Cup because of Fajardo’s unwavering dominance on both sides of the court.

Several standout players were up for consideration for the weekly prize among the reporters covering the PBA beat: Felix Lemetti and Caelan Tiongson of Rain or Shine; Rey Nambatac of TNT; Calvin Oftana and Poy Erram; and Robert Bolick of NLEX. Fajardo took home the award because his performances were superior to those of his competitors.

Eight-time MVP Fajardo has received this accolade from the Press Corps for the thirteenth time in his remarkable twelve-year career. His continual success on the court emphasizes how important he is to San Miguel’s achievements.

Fajardo, who is determined to lead San Miguel back to the winner’s circle after the team lost to Meralco in the Philippine Cup Finals last season, said, “We have a new conference, a new season, and the same objective, which is to play in the Finals and hopefully win a championship.”

Fajardo has had nothing short of extraordinary in the Governors’ Cup opening week. He averaged 25.0 points per game on effective 71 percent shooting throughout the course of the two games played between August 18 and August 25. He also added 17.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2.0 blocks. His all-around efforts have been crucial to San Miguel’s triumphs over Phoenix and Blackwater, which have given the Beermen a share of the lead in Group B.

In his season debut, Fajardo put on an incredible show on August 21 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, recording a massive 37 points, 24 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks. San Miguel defeated the Phoenix Fuel Masters 111-107 thanks to this performance, which cemented his status as one of the league’s most dominant players.

Four days later, Fajardo was still proving his worth to the squad and his adaptability. In San Miguel’s game versus Blackwater, he managed to produce 13 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks despite playing a more supportive role. With a 50-point outburst, import Jordan Adams stole the show in this game, but Fajardo’s consistent play enabled the Beermen to overcome a halftime deficit and win 128-108.

Fajardo’s efforts in these first games demonstrate his versatility as a player, as he can score, grab rebounds, or set up teammates for easy baskets. His leadership on the floor was a major factor in San Miguel Beer’s early success, and his play makes it clear that he is actively seeking another championship.

Fajardo’s regularity and dominance will probably be an important part of San Miguel Beer’s campaign as the Governors’ Cup goes on. In addition to setting a high bar for his teammates, his stellar start to the season serves as a reminder of why he is still regarded as one of the PBA’s most feared and respected players. San Miguel is well-positioned to go deep into the competition with Fajardo leading the way, and they have their eyes set firmly on recovering the title.