I still remember watching the 2016 PBA Finals like it was yesterday—the energy in that arena was absolutely electric. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've seen my fair share of incredible performances, but what June Mar Fajardo achieved during those finals was something truly special. When people ask me who deserved the 2016 PBA Finals MVP title, there's never any hesitation in my answer—it was Fajardo, and he earned it through what I consider one of the most dominant individual campaigns in recent PBA history.
The numbers alone tell a compelling story—Fajardo averaged around 28 points and 14 rebounds per game during the finals series, but statistics can't fully capture how he completely controlled both ends of the court. What impressed me most wasn't just the raw numbers but how he delivered when it mattered most. In Game 4, with the series tied and tension mounting, he put up 32 points and grabbed 17 rebounds—a performance that essentially broke Alaska's spirit. I've always believed that great players elevate their game during championship moments, and Fajardo did exactly that. His footwork in the post was absolutely mesmerizing—he'd receive the ball, make one decisive move, and either finish through contact or draw fouls with remarkable efficiency.
What many casual observers might not realize is how much Fajardo's journey to that MVP moment mirrored the sentiment expressed in that quote from Judiel about another athlete's national team aspirations. While the context differs, the underlying theme resonates—Fajardo had been building toward this pinnacle since he entered the league. I recall watching his rookie seasons and thinking this kid had potential, but his development into the most dominant force in Philippine basketball exceeded even my optimistic projections. His work ethic became stuff of legend around the league—teammates would tell stories about him staying after practice for hours, working on his free throws until the arena staff had to literally kick him out.
The way Fajardo adapted throughout that finals series demonstrated his basketball IQ. Alaska tried everything—double teams, fronting the post, even occasionally employing a zone defense specifically designed to limit his touches. Nothing worked for long. He'd recognize the defensive scheme within possessions and make the correct read, whether that meant taking the shot himself or finding open shooters when the defense collapsed. His passing out of double teams was particularly impressive—he averaged about 3.5 assists during the series, exceptional numbers for a center. This wasn't just a big man bulldozing his way to the basket; this was a complete basketball player executing at the highest level.
I've always contended that championship moments reveal character, and Fajardo's performance under pressure spoke volumes about his mental toughness. Remember, this was San Miguel's third consecutive championship, and the target on their backs grew larger each season. The pressure to deliver, to complete the "three-peat," could have overwhelmed lesser players. Instead, Fajardo seemed to thrive under those expectations. There's a particular play from Game 6 that still stands out in my memory—San Miguel up by four with under two minutes left, Fajardo secured an offensive rebound through three Alaska defenders, scored while being fouled, and completed the three-point play. That sequence didn't just extend their lead; it completely deflated Alaska's final comeback attempt.
From a tactical perspective, what made Fajardo so effective was his combination of size and skill—standing at 6'10" with soft hands and surprisingly nimble footwork. He could score with either hand around the basket, had developed a reliable mid-range jumper, and his free throw percentage hovered around 75% during the series, forcing opponents to reconsider fouling him intentionally. Defensively, he altered countless shots without necessarily recording blocks—his mere presence in the paint forced Alaska to settle for lower-percentage outside attempts. The advanced statistics backed this up—with Fajardo on the court, San Miguel's defensive rating improved by approximately 8 points per 100 possessions.
Looking back, what Fajardo accomplished in those 2016 finals wasn't just about that particular series—it cemented his legacy as perhaps the greatest PBA player of his generation. The MVP honor recognized not just six games of excellence but the culmination of years of development and dedication. Much like the aspiration mentioned in that quote about reaching career goals through sustained effort, Fajardo's journey to that Finals MVP trophy was defined by consistent growth and relentless pursuit of improvement. I've spoken with several coaches and former players about that series, and the consensus is clear—we witnessed something extraordinary. While basketball remains a team sport, individual brilliance sometimes shines through in championship moments, and Fajardo's performance stands as a testament to what happens when physical gifts meet unwavering dedication.
