I still remember watching that 2019 PBA Governors' Cup Finals like it was yesterday. The energy in the arena was electric, and June Mar Fajardo was putting on an absolute masterclass that would ultimately earn him the Finals MVP honors. What many people don't realize is that this wasn't just another trophy for the Kraken - this was his sixth PBA championship and yet another testament to why he's considered one of the greatest players in Philippine basketball history.
When we talk about dominance, Fajardo's statistics during that finals series against the Magnolia Hotshots were nothing short of spectacular. He averaged 22.3 points, 15.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game while shooting an incredible 58% from the field. But numbers only tell part of the story. What truly set him apart was how he controlled the game's tempo and made everyone around him better. I've always believed that great players elevate their teammates, and watching Fajardo that series reminded me why I fell in love with basketball in the first place. His ability to draw double teams and find open shooters was poetry in motion.
There's this particular moment from Game 4 that sticks in my mind. San Miguel was struggling to find their rhythm early in the third quarter, and you could feel the momentum shifting towards Magnolia. That's when Fajardo took over, scoring eight consecutive points while anchoring the defense like a true veteran. What impressed me most wasn't just his individual brilliance but how he constantly communicated with his teammates, directing traffic and keeping everyone engaged. This brings to mind something I've heard numerous players emphasize about team dynamics. As one athlete put it, "It's important for us, especially when we're not playing well on the court, to hear the cheers from my teammates on the bench. It really helps us." Fajardo understood this psychology perfectly - he wasn't just playing for himself but was constantly lifting everyone around him, both starters and bench players alike.
What many casual observers miss when discussing Fajardo's dominance is his basketball IQ. He has this uncanny ability to read defensive schemes and make adjustments on the fly. During that finals series, Magnolia tried everything - double teams in the post, fronting him in the paint, even occasionally sending triple teams. None of it worked consistently. I remember thinking during Game 5 how he seemed to anticipate every defensive adjustment before it even happened. His footwork in the post was absolutely sublime, and his patience when operating in the low block reminded me of vintage Tim Duncan moments.
The beauty of Fajardo's game that series was how he dominated without forcing anything. He took what the defense gave him, whether it was scoring in the post, hitting mid-range jumpers, or facilitating from the high post. His decision-making was nearly flawless - he committed only 2.2 turnovers per game despite being the focal point of San Miguel's offense. That's incredibly efficient for someone who had the ball in his hands as much as he did. I've always preferred players who let the game come to them rather than those who try to force spectacular plays, and Fajardo epitomizes this approach.
Another aspect that doesn't get enough attention is his conditioning. Playing 38.5 minutes per game in a physically demanding finals series while maintaining that level of production is remarkable. I've spoken with trainers who've worked with him, and they all mention his incredible work ethic during practices and off-season training. This dedication showed during crucial moments in the fourth quarters when other players would understandably tire, but Fajardo seemed to get stronger. His stamina allowed him to maintain defensive intensity while still being the primary offensive option - something very few big men in PBA history have been capable of doing.
What I particularly admired about his Finals MVP performance was how he elevated his game when it mattered most. In Game 6, the championship-clinching victory, he recorded 23 points, 17 rebounds, and 3 blocks while playing all but two minutes of the game. The most impressive part? He did this while battling through nagging injuries that would have sidelined most players. There's a certain mental toughness required to perform at that level despite physical limitations, and Fajardo demonstrated why he's in a class of his own when it comes to PBA big men.
Looking back at that finals series, I'm convinced we witnessed something special from June Mar Fajardo. His combination of skill, intelligence, and mental fortitude created the perfect storm of dominance. While statistics help quantify his impact, they can't fully capture how he controlled every aspect of the game. His performance wasn't just about winning another championship - it was a statement about what true greatness looks like in Philippine basketball. The 2019 PBA Finals MVP wasn't just awarded to the best player on the court; it went to someone who redefined what dominance means in our local basketball landscape.
