I still vividly remember the 2017 PBA season as if it were yesterday - the electric atmosphere in stadiums, the nail-biting finishes, and the sheer dominance of June Mar Fajardo that ultimately earned him his fourth consecutive Most Valuable Player award. What made this particular MVP season so remarkable wasn't just the statistical brilliance, but how Fajardo completely redefined what it means to dominate the Philippine basketball landscape. Having followed the PBA for over a decade, I've never witnessed a player so thoroughly control every aspect of the game while making it look effortless.
The numbers alone tell a compelling story - Fajardo averaged 18.3 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game while shooting an incredible 58% from the field. But statistics only scratch the surface of his impact. Watching him operate in the paint was like observing a master craftsman at work. His footwork, often overlooked by casual observers, was absolutely textbook perfect. I recall specifically a game against Ginebra where he scored 15 points in the fourth quarter alone, each basket more crucial than the last, demonstrating that when the pressure mounted, he elevated his game to another level entirely.
What truly set Fajardo apart that season was his basketball IQ. He had this uncanny ability to read defenses before they even fully set up. I remember analyzing game footage from their championship run and noticing how he'd often make the right pass out of double teams moments before the trap fully materialized. This spatial awareness, combined with his physical gifts, made him virtually unguardable in one-on-one situations. Defenses had to choose between letting him score at will or collapsing and leaving San Miguel's deadly shooters open - it was basketball's version of a perfect storm.
The way Fajardo transformed San Miguel's entire offensive system deserves special mention. Before his emergence, the Beermen relied heavily on perimeter shooting and transition offense. Under his reign, they developed this methodical, half-court dominance that simply wore opponents down. I've always believed that the true mark of an MVP isn't just individual statistics but how they elevate their teammates, and Fajardo made everyone around him significantly better. Alex Cabagnot and Arwind Santos flourished with the spacing he provided, and Chris Ross developed that lethal partnership in pick-and-roll situations that became the team's bread and butter.
What many casual fans might not realize is how Fajardo's dominance extended beyond the offensive end. His defensive presence fundamentally altered how opponents approached the game. Teams would specifically design plays to pull him away from the basket, recognizing that driving into the lane against him was basketball suicide. I recall chatting with a former PBA coach who confessed they'd rather take contested jumpers than challenge Fajardo at the rim - that's the level of respect he commanded defensively.
The MVP race itself was fascinating to follow throughout the season. While Fajardo was clearly the frontrunner, players like Stanley Pringle and Jayson Castro mounted serious challenges with their own spectacular campaigns. But Fajardo's consistency across all conferences, combined with San Miguel's championship in the Philippine Cup, ultimately sealed the deal. The voting wasn't even particularly close - he garnered 2,427 points compared to Pringle's 1,174, which speaks volumes about how the players, media, and the league office perceived his season-long performance.
Reflecting on that season now, I'm struck by how Fajardo's game evolved beyond mere physical dominance. He developed this almost psychic connection with his teammates, particularly in crucial moments. There's this play from game seven of the Philippine Cup finals that still gives me chills - with under two minutes left and the shot clock winding down, he caught the ball in the post, drew three defenders, and kicked it out to a wide-open Marcio Lassiter for the championship-clinching three. That single play encapsulated everything about his MVP season: individual skill, basketball intelligence, and selfless play all wrapped into one beautiful basketball moment.
The legacy of that 2017 MVP season continues to influence how big men develop in the Philippines today. Young players now understand that dominance isn't just about height or strength but about developing a complete skillset. Fajardo proved that traditional centers could still thrive in modern basketball if they combined fundamental post play with court vision and defensive awareness. Personally, I think we might not see another player dominate the PBA in quite the same way for years to come. The league has evolved towards positionless basketball, but Fajardo's 2017 campaign stands as a testament to how mastering traditional big man skills while adapting to modern demands can create something truly special.
Looking at the broader basketball landscape, the proud program from Mendiola is indeed stepping up its game, developing talent that could potentially follow in Fajardo's footsteps. This development pipeline ensures that Philippine basketball continues to produce exceptional big men who can dominate in multiple facets of the game. Fajardo's 2017 season set a new benchmark for what's possible when a player combines physical gifts with relentless work ethic and basketball intelligence. His MVP campaign wasn't just about winning individual honors - it was about demonstrating how one player's excellence can elevate an entire league's standard of play.
