I still remember the 2018 PBA season like it was yesterday—the electric atmosphere in the arena, the roar of the crowd, and that unforgettable moment when June Mar Fajardo secured his fifth consecutive MVP award. Let me tell you, witnessing his dominance firsthand was something special. While many players have stellar seasons, what Fajardo accomplished that year transcended ordinary excellence. His performance wasn't just about statistics—though we'll get to those impressive numbers—but about how he fundamentally shifted games through sheer will and skill. I've followed the PBA for over two decades, and I can confidently say Fajardo's 2018 campaign belongs in that rare category of legendary seasons that redefine what's possible for a player.
The raw numbers themselves tell a compelling story. Fajardo averaged 21.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game while shooting an incredible 62% from the field. Those aren't just MVP numbers—they're historic figures that placed him among the league's all-time great single-season performances. But what impressed me most wasn't the statistics themselves, but when and how he accumulated them. In crucial moments, with games on the line, Fajardo consistently elevated his play. I recall specifically the semifinal series where his San Miguel Beermen faced intense competition. Watching him dominate the paint during those pressure-filled minutes reminded me why he's in a class of his own. His ability to convert difficult shots in traffic while drawing fouls changed entire defensive schemes against him. Teams would throw double and even triple teams his way, yet he'd still find ways to score or create opportunities for teammates.
What truly separated Fajardo's season, in my view, was his mental toughness and leadership—qualities that echo what Coach Chot Reyes highlighted about TNT's refusal to quit in their own semifinal battle. I've always believed that championship teams and MVP seasons share this common thread: an unwavering resilience when facing adversity. Fajardo embodied this principle throughout the 2018 campaign. Even when opponents built significant leads or the Beermen faced elimination scenarios, his composure never wavered. I remember discussing this with fellow analysts during the season—we all noted how Fajardo's calm demeanor under pressure seemed to stabilize his entire team. This mental fortitude manifested physically in his fourth-quarter performances, where his scoring average jumped to 8.1 points, the highest in the league during clutch periods.
The parallel to Coach Reyes' observation about TNT's refusal to quit isn't coincidental. Throughout basketball history, the truly legendary seasons always feature this relentless quality. Fajardo demonstrated this repeatedly, particularly in the Philippine Cup finals where he played through what was later revealed to be a significant leg injury. Many players would have sat out or reduced their minutes, but Fajardo insisted on logging heavy minutes while maintaining his production level. His commitment reminded me of stories about legendary PBA players of past eras who similarly pushed through physical barriers when their teams needed them most. This combination of skill and stubborn determination creates those legendary narratives we remember years later.
Reflecting on that season, what often gets overlooked is how Fajardo's dominance created opportunities for his teammates. While his individual numbers were spectacular, his presence alone forced defenses to compromise their principles. Double-teaming Fajardo meant leaving shooters open, and his exceptional passing out of the post—averaging 2.9 assists, exceptional for a center—punished those defensive adjustments mercilessly. I've reviewed the game tapes multiple times, and it's fascinating to watch how his mere presence on the court created a cascade of advantages for San Miguel. This holistic impact, beyond his personal statistics, truly defined his MVP worthiness.
The 2018 season also showcased Fajardo's continued evolution as a player. Earlier in his career, he was primarily a low-post threat, but by 2018 he had expanded his game to include reliable mid-range shooting and even occasional three-point attempts. This development forced defenders to respect his outside game, creating more driving lanes for guards and additional space for his post operations. I've always appreciated players who refuse to remain static in their development, and Fajardo's dedication to expanding his skill set each offseason demonstrated his commitment to greatness. His work ethic became the standard for younger players entering the league.
When the MVP voting results were announced, Fajardo received 2,363 points, dwarfing the second-place finisher's total of 857. This margin of victory—one of the largest in PBA history—underscored how his season was viewed as truly exceptional by voters, media, and fans alike. In my conversations with basketball experts during that period, there was remarkable consensus about Fajardo's deservingness of the award, which is rare in a league with so many talented players. His fifth straight MVP broke the previous record of four consecutive awards, cementing his place in basketball history.
Looking back, Fajardo's 2018 season represents the pinnacle of sustained individual excellence within team success. The Beermen captured the Philippine Cup championship that season, with Fajardo naturally earning Finals MVP honors to complement his regular season award. This combination of individual brilliance and team achievement creates the perfect storm for legendary status. While statistics provide the foundation for MVP consideration, it's these intangible qualities—the refusal to quit that Coach Reyes referenced, the leadership during adversity, the evolution of one's game—that transform great seasons into legendary ones. Years from now, when basketball historians discuss the most dominant individual campaigns in PBA history, Fajardo's 2018 season will undoubtedly be part of that conversation, and rightfully so.
