I still remember watching the 2016 PBA Finals like it was yesterday—the energy in the arena was electric, and June Mar Fajardo was absolutely unstoppable. When they announced he’d won the Finals MVP, it felt inevitable. I’ve followed his career closely, and what stood out to me that season wasn’t just his stats but the sheer dominance he displayed on both ends of the court. Fajardo finished the series averaging 22.8 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game—numbers that don’t just tell a story; they shout it. As a longtime basketball analyst, I’ve seen great players, but Fajardo’s blend of size, skill, and basketball IQ during those finals was something special.

Reflecting on his journey, I can’t help but think about the mindset required to reach that level. There’s a quote from Judiel, someone close to Fajardo, that stuck with me: "Sobrang proud kasi nararating niya yung gusto niyang mangyari sa career niya. Isang factor na rin kasi na simula pa lang nung nag-start siyang mag-volleyball, gusto niya na rin talaga makasama sa national team, so nangyari." Roughly translated, it speaks to how proud everyone was that he achieved what he set out to do, and how, from his early days in volleyball, he’d always dreamed of representing the national team—and it happened. That background in volleyball, I believe, gave him an edge. It’s not just about jumping high or being tall; it’s about spatial awareness, timing, and that relentless drive to improve. In the 2016 finals, you could see it in how he positioned himself under the basket, almost like he was reading the game two steps ahead of everyone else. Personally, I think his volleyball roots are underrated—they honed his footwork and coordination in ways pure basketball training sometimes misses.

What made Fajardo’s performance so memorable, in my view, was how he controlled the paint. He wasn’t just scoring; he was dictating the flow of the game. I recall one particular play where he grabbed an offensive rebound against two defenders, spun around, and sank a hook shot that sealed the game. Moments like that aren’t just highlights—they’re masterclasses in composure. Defensively, he was a wall. Opponents shot just 38% when he was near the rim, a stat that still impresses me. And let’s talk about his free-throw shooting: he hit 84% in the finals, which, for a big man, is exceptional. I’ve always argued that free throws win championships, and Fajardo proved it by calmly sinking clutch ones in the final minutes. It’s details like these that separate good players from legends.

But beyond the numbers, what I admire most is his work ethic. I’ve heard stories from insiders about his grueling training routines—often putting in extra hours after practice to refine his post moves. That dedication reminds me of Judiel’s words about Fajardo’s ambition from the start. It wasn’t just about winning a title; it was about fulfilling a lifelong dream, and that passion fueled his dominance. In the finals, he played over 38 minutes per game, a testament to his stamina and mental toughness. As someone who’s analyzed sports psychology, I see that drive as a key factor. He didn’t just want to be good; he wanted to be unforgettable. And in 2016, he was.

Looking back, Fajardo’s 2016 Finals MVP run wasn’t just a personal triumph—it set a new standard for centers in the PBA. His ability to blend finesse with power, something I’ve rarely seen in Philippine basketball, made the San Miguel Beermen nearly unbeatable. They swept the series 4-0, and Fajardo was the engine behind it all. In my opinion, this performance cemented his legacy as one of the greats, and it’s no surprise he’s continued to excel since. For aspiring athletes, his story is a lesson in perseverance. Dreams, like Judiel hinted, do come true with enough grit. And as a fan of the game, I feel lucky to have witnessed it firsthand.