I still vividly remember the 2012 PBA season as if it were yesterday - the electric atmosphere in arenas, the nail-biting finishes, and the sheer dominance of one particular player that season. While looking back at that remarkable year, I can't help but draw parallels to another unforgettable moment I witnessed recently - that incredible France vs. Brazil five-set comeback during the VNL 2024 with 10,593 fans packed into MOA Arena. That same energy, that same level of elite performance, was exactly what we saw from the 2012 PBA MVP throughout his legendary season.
The 2012 PBA Most Valuable Player award went to none other than June Mar Fajardo, who was then playing for the Petron Blaze Boosters. Now, I've seen many great players throughout my years following Philippine basketball, but what Fajardo achieved that season was something special. He didn't just win the award - he completely redefined what dominance looked like in the league. His statistics were mind-boggling: averaging 16.8 points, 14.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting an impressive 58% from the field. These numbers alone tell part of the story, but they don't capture the sheer impact he had every single time he stepped on the court.
What made Fajardo's MVP season particularly memorable for me was how he transformed games single-handedly. Much like that France vs. Brazil match where the momentum shifted dramatically, Fajardo had this incredible ability to change the flow of games through his presence in the paint. I recall watching him against Talk 'N Text in the Commissioner's Cup finals where he put up 24 points and 18 rebounds in the clinching game. The way he controlled both ends of the floor reminded me of watching elite centers from basketball's golden era - there was simply no answer for him. His footwork for a big man was extraordinary, and his understanding of positioning made him nearly impossible to guard one-on-one.
The voting results reflected his dominance too - he secured 2,168 points from the media, players, and the PBA office, beating out strong contenders like LA Tenorio and Arwind Santos by significant margins. Honestly, I thought it would be closer given the talent level that season, but Fajardo's consistency throughout all three conferences made his case undeniable. He wasn't just putting up numbers in meaningless games either - his best performances came when they mattered most. I particularly remember his 31-point outburst against Rain or Shine in the elimination round, where he completely took over in the fourth quarter.
Looking back, what impressed me most was how Fajardo's MVP season signaled a changing of the guard in Philippine basketball. He represented a new breed of big men who could do more than just rebound and block shots - he had offensive moves, court vision, and that rare basketball IQ that you can't teach. The way he developed his game throughout that season was remarkable to watch. From opening night to the final buzzer of the season, he kept adding new elements to his arsenal. That growth trajectory reminded me of watching young international athletes develop during tournaments like the VNL - you could literally see them getting better game by game.
The legacy of that 2012 MVP season continues to resonate today. Fajardo didn't just win an award - he set a new standard for big men in the PBA and established himself as the cornerstone of what would become a historic career. When I think about that France vs. Brazil match with its dramatic comeback and massive crowd, I see similarities in how Fajardo played that season - overcoming challenges, rising to occasions, and leaving everyone in the arena amazed at what they were witnessing. That's what makes sports so compelling - these moments of pure excellence that we're lucky enough to witness firsthand. Fajardo's 2012 campaign was exactly that - a masterclass in basketball dominance that we're still talking about years later.
