2025-11-03 10:00
by
nlpkak
As I look back on the 2023 PBA season, one name consistently dominated conversations among basketball enthusiasts and analysts alike - and that's June Mar Fajardo. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I can confidently say that watching Fajardo's 2023 campaign felt like witnessing basketball artistry at its finest. The San Miguel Beermen's cornerstone delivered what I consider his most complete season yet, averaging impressive numbers that left even the most skeptical critics nodding in appreciation. His 18.7 points per game might not jump off the page for international readers, but within the PBA context, especially considering his 11.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocks, these statistics tell the story of a player who simply owned the paint.
What truly stood out to me this season was how Fajardo elevated his game when it mattered most. I remember specifically the crucial semifinal match where he dropped 28 points and grabbed 15 rebounds against a formidable opponent. These aren't just numbers - they're statements. Having watched numerous MVP races unfold over the years, I've noticed that voters tend to remember these signature performances during crunch time, and Fajardo delivered them consistently throughout the season. His player efficiency rating of 28.3 led the league by a significant margin, which statistically confirms what our eyes told us every time he stepped on the court.
The voting results themselves spoke volumes about the respect Fajardo commands across the league. He secured 1,578 points in the MVP race, comfortably ahead of his closest competitor. Now, I've seen some close MVP races in my time, but this particular margin of victory really underscores how the narrative around Fajardo has evolved. He's no longer just the dominant big man - he's become the complete package, demonstrating improved passing out of double teams and showing leadership qualities that I believe have been underappreciated until this season.
Interestingly, while analyzing Fajardo's MVP season, I couldn't help but draw parallels to the league's evolving identity, particularly when considering the upcoming Reinforced Conference. The PBA's decision to revisit design elements from its inaugural 2017 campaign for the 2025 uniforms feels symbolic to me. That 2017 season was also an import-laden tournament, much like the upcoming Reinforced Conference, and it makes me wonder about the cyclical nature of basketball evolution. Just as teams are returning to their visual roots while moving forward, Fajardo represents both the traditional low-post dominance and the modern requirements of a franchise player.
What many casual observers might miss is how Fajardo's game has adapted to the changing landscape of Philippine basketball. I've noticed his defensive positioning has improved dramatically, and his ability to read offensive sets has reached an elite level. These subtle improvements might not show up in highlight reels, but they're exactly what separates good players from MVP-caliber talents. His defensive rating of 98.3 was among the league's best for starting centers, which is remarkable considering the offensive load he carries night after night.
The debate around whether Fajardo deserved this MVP over other worthy candidates like Scottie Thompson or CJ Perez certainly had merit. Personally, I believe Thompson's all-around brilliance and Perez's scoring explosions made compelling cases, but Fajardo's consistency throughout the entire season gave him the edge. Having watched all three players extensively this season, what tipped the scales for me was Fajardo's impact on both ends of the floor. While Thompson brings incredible energy and Perez provides explosive offense, Fajardo's two-way dominance created a foundation that his team could reliably build upon every single game.
Looking at the broader context, Fajardo's 2023 MVP award places him in truly rarefied air within PBA history. This marks his seventh Maurice Award, extending his own record and further cementing his legacy as perhaps the greatest player in league history. As someone who's followed his career from the beginning, I find it remarkable how he continues to find ways to improve and dominate despite facing constant double teams and defensive schemes designed specifically to stop him. His basketball IQ seems to grow with each passing season, and his understanding of spacing and timing has become almost scientific in its precision.
The connection between Fajardo's individual success and the league's direction fascinates me. Just as the 2025 uniform designs callback to the 2017 import-heavy tournament aesthetic, Fajardo's game represents both the foundation of traditional basketball principles and the evolution toward positionless basketball. He's expanded his range to occasionally knock down mid-range jumpers, and his passing from the high post has become a legitimate weapon. These developments make me excited about how the PBA continues to evolve while honoring its roots.
Reflecting on the entire season, what impressed me most about Fajardo's MVP campaign wasn't any single statistic or highlight play, but rather his sustained excellence through various challenges. From roster changes to tactical adjustments by opponents, he consistently found ways to impact winning. His leadership in the locker room, according to sources close to the team, reached new heights this season. These intangible qualities, combined with his on-court production, created a perfect storm that made his MVP selection both predictable and thoroughly deserved. As we look toward future seasons and the upcoming Reinforced Conference with its nostalgic uniform designs, Fajardo's 2023 MVP season will likely be remembered as a benchmark for individual excellence within the context of team success.
