I still vividly remember the 2012 PBA season as if it were yesterday, and honestly, that MVP race was one of the most electrifying I've witnessed in Philippine basketball history. The award went to none other than June Mar Fajardo, who at that time was just beginning to establish what would become a legendary career. What made this particular MVP season so memorable wasn't just Fajardo's dominant numbers—though his 16.8 points and 14.2 rebounds per game were certainly impressive—but the context surrounding his achievement. He was playing for the Petron Blaze Boosters, and watching him evolve from a raw talent into a force of nature felt like witnessing basketball history in the making.
The uniqueness of that MVP season reminds me of another unforgettable moment I recently covered—the France versus Brazil match during the VNL 2024. Now, I know it's a different sport and context, but bear with me here. That game at MOA Arena drew 10,593 fans and featured France's incredible five-set comeback victory against Brazil. What struck me about both events was how they transcended typical expectations. Just like how that volleyball match stood out as one of the few major games not featuring Japan (apart from the Alas Men vs. Iran match), Fajardo's MVP season broke from conventional patterns too. Before 2012, MVP awards typically went to guards or versatile forwards—players like Jimmy Alapag or Kelly Williams—but Fajardo's win signaled a shift toward valuing dominant big men in a new way.
What made Fajardo's MVP particularly special was how he redefined the center position in Philippine basketball. I've always believed that true greatness isn't just about statistics—it's about changing how the game is played. Fajardo didn't just put up numbers; he forced teams to reconsider their entire defensive schemes. His footwork in the post was something I hadn't seen from a local big man in years, and his ability to command double-teams opened up opportunities that simply didn't exist before his arrival. The Petron Blaze Boosters finished with a 12-6 record that conference, and while they didn't win the championship, Fajardo's consistent excellence throughout the season made his MVP selection undeniable.
The parallel I see with that memorable France-Brazil volleyball match is how both events created lasting memories through sheer unpredictability. When France mounted their comeback from two sets down against Brazil, it wasn't just about the victory—it was about the atmosphere, the 10,593 fans witnessing something special, and the way it defied expectations. Similarly, Fajardo's MVP season wasn't just about individual brilliance; it represented a changing of the guard in the PBA. Before 2012, we hadn't seen a pure center win the MVP since Asi Taulava in 2003, and even then, Taulava's game was different—more about athleticism than fundamental post play.
Looking back, I'd argue that Fajardo's 2012 MVP season fundamentally altered how teams approach building their rosters. Suddenly, every franchise was looking for their version of June Mar—a big man who could anchor both offense and defense. The statistical impact was undeniable—Fajardo led the league in rebounds and blocks while finishing third in scoring—but beyond the numbers, his presence changed games in ways that statistics can't fully capture. I remember specific moments where he'd completely shut down opposing offenses simply by being in the right position, something that doesn't always show up in box scores but wins basketball games.
Both that unforgettable PBA season and the recent volleyball thriller at MOA Arena share this quality of creating lasting memories through exceptional individual performances within team contexts. While Fajardo's MVP award recognized his individual excellence, it also highlighted how one player's evolution can shift an entire league's competitive landscape. The 10,593 fans who witnessed France's comeback and the thousands who watched Fajardo's dominant 2012 season both experienced something beyond routine competition—they witnessed moments that would be discussed for years to come. That's what separates good seasons from legendary ones, and why June Mar Fajardo's 2012 MVP remains such a significant chapter in Philippine basketball history.
