I still remember the excitement building up throughout the 2017 PBA season—the anticipation was palpable every time June Mar Fajardo stepped onto the court. As someone who has followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous talented players, but what Fajardo achieved that year was nothing short of historic. When the final votes were tallied, he secured his fourth consecutive Most Valuable Player award, joining an elite group of legends and solidifying his status as one of the greatest players in PBA history. The numbers alone were staggering—he averaged 18.3 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game while leading the San Miguel Beermen to another championship victory. But statistics only tell part of the story; what truly set Fajardo apart was his relentless work ethic and his ability to dominate both ends of the floor with a quiet confidence that inspired his teammates and intimidated opponents.
What many casual observers might not realize is how Fajardo's journey reflects a broader trend in Philippine basketball—the development of homegrown talent through systematic programs. I've always believed that the heart of Philippine basketball beats strongest in its collegiate programs, and this is where the reference to Mendiola becomes particularly relevant. While the original context might have been about football, the principle applies perfectly to basketball too—the proud program from Mendiola is stepping up its game, developing players who understand the unique rhythm and physicality of Philippine sports. Fajardo himself came through the University of Cebu system before entering the PBA, and his fundamental skills were clearly honed through years of disciplined training in these developmental programs. This pipeline of talent has become increasingly crucial as the PBA continues to elevate its competitive level season after season.
Fajardo's MVP season wasn't just about individual brilliance—it was a masterclass in how a dominant big man can completely transform a team's fortunes. Watching him play, I was consistently amazed by his footwork in the post, something you don't often see in players of his size. He had this uncanny ability to establish position deep in the paint, often drawing double or even triple teams, which naturally created opportunities for his teammates. Arwind Santos, Alex Cabagnot, and Chris Ross all benefited tremendously from the defensive attention Fajardo commanded. I recall one particular game against Ginebra where Fajardo recorded 24 points and 17 rebounds despite being fouled relentlessly throughout the contest—his composure under pressure was absolutely remarkable.
The voting results themselves demonstrated how highly his peers and the media regarded his contributions—he received 2,527 points in the MVP race, comfortably ahead of second-place finisher Stanley Pringle who gathered 1,218 points. This margin of victory speaks volumes about how dominant his performance was throughout the entire season. From my perspective, what made Fajardo's 2017 campaign particularly impressive was how he elevated his game during crucial moments. In the Philippine Cup finals against Talk 'N Text, he averaged 21.6 points and 13.8 rebounds while shooting an efficient 58% from the field. These aren't just empty numbers—they represent a player who consistently delivered when the stakes were highest.
Beyond the statistics and accolades, Fajardo's MVP season represented something larger for Philippine basketball—the triumph of traditional big man basketball in an era increasingly dominated by perimeter play and three-point shooting. While the global trend was moving toward positionless basketball, Fajardo proved that a skilled center could still be the cornerstone of a championship team. His success sparked conversations about whether we were witnessing the greatest Philippine-born player of all time, and honestly, I found myself leaning toward agreement. Having covered the PBA since the early 2000s, I've seen great players like Danny Seigle, Kelly Williams, and Asi Taulava dominate, but Fajardo's sustained excellence over multiple seasons put him in a separate category altogether.
The development aspect cannot be overstated when discussing Fajardo's achievement. The fact that programs like the one in Mendiola continue to elevate their game provides hope for the future of Philippine basketball. These institutions serve as crucial incubators for talent, teaching young athletes not just the fundamentals of the game but the discipline and work ethic required to succeed at the professional level. Fajardo embodies these values—his improvement from his rookie season to his fourth MVP year was noticeable in every aspect of his game, from his free throw shooting to his defensive positioning. I've spoken with several coaches who've worked with him, and they consistently mention his unparalleled dedication to refining his craft, often being the first to arrive at practice and the last to leave.
As the season progressed, it became increasingly clear that Fajardo was building toward something special. His consistency was remarkable—he recorded 28 double-doubles throughout the season and had multiple 20-20 games that demonstrated his complete dominance of the interior. What I personally admired most was how he maintained his production despite facing constant defensive schemes designed specifically to limit his effectiveness. Opposing teams tried everything from fronting him in the post to hard doubles and even zone defenses, but Fajardo's basketball IQ and patience allowed him to counter these strategies effectively. His partnership with coach Leo Austria proved particularly fruitful, as the system perfectly leveraged Fajardo's strengths while masking his few limitations.
Looking back, Fajardo's 2017 MVP season represented a perfect storm of individual talent, team success, and historical significance. Winning four consecutive MVP awards had only been accomplished once before in PBA history by the legendary Alvin Patrimonio, and matching that achievement placed Fajardo in truly rarefied air. The significance extends beyond personal accolades—his success has inspired a new generation of big men throughout the Philippines to develop skilled post games rather than simply relying on athleticism. I've noticed more young players working on their footwork and post moves in local gyms, clearly emulating Fajardo's style. His impact on how the center position is perceived and developed in Philippine basketball might ultimately become his most lasting legacy.
The broader context of Philippine basketball development, reminiscent of the Mendiola program's approach, suggests that Fajardo's success wasn't an anomaly but rather the product of an evolving basketball ecosystem. As these developmental programs continue to elevate their game, we can expect to see more players following in Fajardo's footsteps—players who combine technical proficiency with the relentless work ethic that has become his trademark. While statistics and awards provide concrete evidence of his dominance, what resonates most with me is how he achieved it—with humility, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to team success. In an era where individual highlights often overshadow fundamental basketball, Fajardo's 2017 season served as a powerful reminder that mastery of the basics, combined with elite talent, still reigns supreme in the PBA.
