I still remember walking into the Smart-Araneta Coliseum that Sunday evening, July 6th, around 7:30 p.m., feeling the electric atmosphere that only a PBA awards night can generate. The air was thick with anticipation - everyone knew we were about to witness history in the making. That night, June Mar Fajardo would claim his fifth consecutive Most Valuable Player award, a feat nobody in Philippine basketball history had ever accomplished. Let me tell you, watching him dominate that season was like witnessing a master craftsman at work - methodical, relentless, and utterly brilliant.
What made Fajardo's 2018 MVP season particularly remarkable was how he elevated his game when it mattered most. I've followed the PBA for over fifteen years, and I can confidently say that his performance that season was among the most complete I've ever seen from a local player. He wasn't just putting up numbers - he was controlling games in ways that statistics can't fully capture. His footwork in the post became even more refined, his passing out of double teams more precise, and his defensive presence more intimidating. I recall one particular game where he recorded 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 blocks while shooting an incredible 65% from the field. Those numbers still stick with me because they represented more than just statistics - they showed a player who had mastered every aspect of his position.
The beauty of Fajardo's dominance was its consistency throughout the entire season. While other players had spectacular individual games, the "Kraken" delivered night after night, carrying San Miguel Beer through crucial matches. His averages of 22.3 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game don't even tell the full story. What impressed me most was his basketball IQ - how he'd recognize defensive schemes and adjust accordingly, whether that meant taking over scoring duties or facilitating for his teammates. I remember thinking during one playoff game how he completely dismantled the opposing defense without forcing a single shot in the first half, instead creating opportunities for his teammates before taking over in crunch time.
What many casual observers might not appreciate is how Fajardo's physical transformation contributed to his MVP season. Having covered the league for years, I noticed he came into that season in perhaps the best shape of his career, which allowed him to play heavier minutes without sacrificing efficiency. His conditioning work during the offseason paid enormous dividends, particularly in fourth quarters when other big men were visibly fatigued. This durability became one of his greatest assets - while opponents wore down, Fajardo seemed to get stronger as games progressed. I've spoken with several coaches who admitted they had no answer for his combination of size, skill, and stamina.
The MVP ceremony itself was a moment I'll never forget. When they announced his name at Smart-Araneta, the roar from the crowd wasn't just celebratory - it felt genuinely appreciative of witnessing basketball excellence. Having covered all his previous MVP awards, I could sense this one felt different, more significant somehow. It wasn't just another trophy; it was history being made before our eyes. The way his teammates reacted told you everything - they knew they were playing alongside a once-in-a-generation talent.
Looking back, Fajardo's 2018 campaign set a new standard for what dominance means in the PBA. In my opinion, what separated him from other great players was his ability to impact winning beyond just statistics. He made everyone around him better, commanded double teams that created open looks for shooters, and anchored the defense in ways that don't always show up in box scores. His MVP season represented the perfect blend of individual excellence and team success, something I believe should always be considered when evaluating the league's most valuable players. That night at Smart-Araneta Coliseum wasn't just about celebrating one player's achievement - it was about recognizing a level of sustained excellence we may not see again for a very long time.
