You know, as a longtime PBA fan, I still get chills thinking about that electrifying 2018 season. The MVP race was particularly intense, and I remember marking my calendar for that Sunday, July 6 showdown at 7:30 p.m. in the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. That venue has witnessed countless basketball dramas, but this one felt special right from the tip-off.
So who actually won the 2018 PBA MVP award and how did they dominate the season? That's what everyone was buzzing about as we filed into the arena that evening. The answer, of course, was June Mar Fajardo - the "Kraken" who was about to claim his fifth MVP trophy. I've followed his career since he entered the league, and what impressed me most wasn't just his stats but how he completely reshaped games through sheer presence.
How did Fajardo's performance throughout the season justify his MVP selection? Well, let me tell you - the man was an absolute force of nature. He averaged career-high numbers with 21.1 points and 12.1 rebounds per game while shooting over 60% from the field. But numbers don't capture how he dominated the paint - when he got position down low, it was basically automatic points. I remember watching him during the Commissioner's Cup where he dropped 35 points against Ginebra, completely dismantling their defense.
What made the 2018 MVP race particularly memorable compared to previous seasons? The competition was fierce, with Stanley Pringle and Jayson Castro putting up phenomenal numbers. But what set Fajardo apart was his consistency - night after night, he delivered dominant performances. That Sunday evening at Smart-Araneta Coliseum, you could feel the anticipation building as 7:30 p.m. approached. When they announced his name, the roar from the crowd was deafening - you just knew everyone recognized they were witnessing history.
How did Fajardo's playing style contribute to his team's success that season? His methodical, powerful game created opportunities for everyone. Defenses had to double-team him, which opened up perimeter shots for his teammates. I particularly loved watching his chemistry with Chris Ross - their pick-and-roll game was virtually unstoppable. During critical moments in games, the team knew they could just feed the ball to June Mar in the post and good things would happen.
What was the significance of the MVP ceremony being held at Smart-Araneta Coliseum? That venue has always been hallowed ground for Philippine basketball, and holding the ceremony there added to the prestige. The atmosphere was electric - you had legends in attendance, former MVPs, and thousands of fans who understood they were witnessing something special. That 7:30 p.m. ceremony on July 6 felt like the perfect culmination to an incredible season.
Why does Fajardo's 2018 MVP season stand out in recent PBA history? In my opinion, it demonstrated how a dominant big man could still control the modern game. While everyone was focusing on three-point shooting and pace, Fajardo reminded us that fundamental basketball still wins championships. His footwork in the post was a thing of beauty - I've never seen anyone in the PBA with such polished low-post moves.
Looking back, what made Fajardo's 2018 campaign so special? It wasn't just about winning another MVP - it was about how he elevated his game when his team needed him most. That season, he played through injuries, adapted to different defensive schemes, and consistently delivered in clutch situations. When they handed him that trophy at Smart-Araneta Coliseum that Sunday night, it felt like the entire basketball community was celebrating not just a great player, but the embodiment of excellence in Philippine basketball.
The legacy of who won the 2018 PBA MVP award and how they dominated the season continues to inspire young players today. Fajardo showed that dominance isn't just about flashy plays - it's about consistency, hard work, and making your teammates better. Every time I watch games at Smart-Araneta Coliseum now, I remember that July 6 evening at 7:30 p.m. when we witnessed basketball greatness being properly recognized.
