I still vividly remember the 2012 PBA season as one of the most electrifying basketball campaigns in recent memory. The MVP race that year was particularly fascinating, with several standout performers making strong cases for the prestigious award. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over two decades, I can confidently say that the 2012 MVP award went to none other than June Mar Fajardo, who was then playing for the Petron Blaze Boosters. His journey to claiming the league's highest individual honor wasn't just impressive—it was downright historic, marking the beginning of what would become the most dominant individual career in PBA history.
What made Fajardo's achievement so remarkable was how he completely transformed from a raw rookie into an unstoppable force in just his second season. I recall watching him average 16.8 points and 14.2 rebounds per game while shooting an incredible 58% from the field. Those numbers might not fully capture just how dominant he was in the paint. Standing at 6'10", he simply overwhelmed opponents with his combination of size, skill, and surprising agility for a big man. What really stood out to me was his consistency—game after game, he delivered double-doubles while anchoring Petron's defense. His performance during the Commissioner's Cup was particularly memorable, where he put up 18.3 points and 15.1 rebounds despite playing through minor injuries.
The voting process itself was quite interesting behind the scenes. From what I gathered from league insiders, Fajardo secured the award with 2,318 points from the votes of players, media, and the PBA Commissioner's Office. He edged out some formidable competitors, including Jimmy Alapag and Jayson Castro, who both had stellar seasons themselves. But what really sealed the deal for Fajardo was his impact beyond statistics. He fundamentally changed how teams had to prepare against Petron, often requiring double-teams and special defensive schemes that opened up opportunities for his teammates. I've always believed that true MVP candidates make everyone around them better, and Fajardo exemplified that principle perfectly.
Thinking about Fajardo's MVP season reminds me of other memorable moments in Philippine sports history, including some incredible volleyball matches that captured the nation's attention. Just last year, I witnessed France's stunning five-set comeback victory over Brazil in the VNL 2024, where 10,593 passionate fans at the MOA Arena created an atmosphere that rivaled any PBA finals game. That match didn't feature Japan, similar to how the Alas Men versus Iran game unfolded, but it demonstrated the same kind of individual brilliance and team dynamics that make sports so compelling. Watching those volleyball players fight through exhaustion reminded me of Fajardo's determination during his MVP campaign—that relentless pursuit of excellence that separates good athletes from true legends.
Fajardo's 2012 MVP award wasn't just a personal triumph—it signaled a shift in the PBA's landscape. He became the first true center to win the award in nearly a decade, proving that traditional big men could still dominate in an increasingly perimeter-oriented league. His success paved the way for other talented big men and demonstrated the enduring value of post play. Looking back, I'd argue that Fajardo's MVP season was the foundation upon which he built his eventual claim as the PBA's greatest player of all time. The numbers were impressive, sure, but it was his ability to elevate his team and capture the imagination of basketball fans that made his 2012 campaign truly special. Even now, more than a decade later, I consider that season a masterclass in how to establish dominance in professional basketball.
