Basketball

San Miguel Beermen legend June Mar Fajardo is arguably the greatest player in Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) history. Fajardo made history once again during the Leo Awards at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Sunday, August 18. The center won his eighth PBA MVP award as he topped the media and player votes, beating Terrafirma Dyip’s Christian Standhardinger and fellow teammate CJ Perez to the honor.

Fajardo's remarkable achievement of securing eight MVP awards puts him in a league of his own. This milestone extends his record and sets a new benchmark for excellence in Philippine basketball. With twice as many MVP awards as PBA icons Ramon Fernandez and Alvin Patrimonio, Fajardo has solidified his legacy in the annals of PBA history. Fernandez and Patrimonio were long considered the “two greatest” players to play in the PBA, as evidenced by their four MVP awards each during their illustrious careers.

The GOAT Debate: Fajardo's Humble Take

Despite winning every major accolade in Philippine basketball history, Fajardo does not consider himself to be the GOAT of the PBA. He believes Fernandez is more deserving of the GOAT title, considering that he won a staggering 19 league championships over a 20-year PBA career.

“I am very happy to be part of that GOAT conversation, but I think I’m still far from reaching it because there are so many players from the past who deserve to be called the ‘GOAT’ of the PBA. Papa Mon Fernandez alone has won 19 championships, but me, I have only won 10, so I’m still far from that,” Mar Fajardo said in a media interaction.

Fajardo’s humility shines through as he acknowledges the achievements of past PBA greats. For him, the title of GOAT is not just about individual accolades but also about the number of championships won. “For me, if you have already won many championships, that’s when you can be called the ‘GOAT.’ But I’m happy with what I have achieved, but again, Papa Mon and Sir Alvin, they are different, they are the barometer of the MVP. I have high respect for them because they set the standard in the PBA. And us (the next generation of PBA players), we just follow their lead,” he added.

SANA NEXT YEAR ULIT

WATCH: San Miguel Beer center June Mar Fajardo receives his eighth PBA Most Valuable Player award. He is also named in the 1st Mythical Team and the All-Defensive Team. | Via Mark Escarlote pic.twitter.com/3qMreiQBfF

— Daily Tribune (@tribunephl) August 18, 2024

Consistency and Longevity: Keys to Fajardo's Success

At 34 years old, June Mar Fajardo shows no signs of slowing down. His performances in PBA Season 48 demonstrated that he remains at the top of his game. He averaged 17.8 points, a league-best 13.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game in 38 appearances last season. The superstar played a key role in San Miguel winning the PBA Commissioner’s Cup title and reaching the finals of the season-ending Philippine Cup.

Fajardo's consistent dominance on the court is a testament to his dedication and hard work. He approaches each season or conference with the mindset that he hasn’t accomplished anything yet, a mentality that drives him to continuously improve. This approach stems from his humble beginnings, where he initially pursued basketball to secure a college scholarship.

Overcoming Challenges: Fajardo's Inspirational Journey

Fajardo’s journey to becoming one of the PBA’s greatest players is marked by perseverance and resilience. “I did not really play basketball. If my parents were able to afford college, I would probably not be here. But God has other plans for me. I persevered. What I have now, I think I deserve them. We experience setbacks, failures, and disappointment. I have gone through a lot - anxiety and depression. But I never gave up. I want to prove myself that I can go far,” Mar Fajardo concluded.

His words resonate with many who have faced similar struggles, proving that determination and hard work can lead to success. Fajardo’s story is not just about basketball; it’s about overcoming adversity and achieving greatness against the odds.

Selected as the first overall pick by San Miguel in the 2012 PBA draft, Mar Fajardo has since turned the franchise into a winning dynasty and a powerhouse in the league. His impact on the court has been nothing short of transformative. In addition to eight PBA MVP awards, he has won 10 PBA championships, been named the PBA Finals MVP four times, a 10-time PBA Best Player of the Conference, and been selected to the PBA Mythical First Team nine times. He was also named the 2015 PBA Defensive Player of the Year, the 2014 PBA Most Improved Player, and has earned nine PBA All-Star nominations.

Fajardo's dominance is not just limited to individual accolades. His ability to elevate his team's performance and lead them to championships is what truly sets him apart. The San Miguel Beermen’s success over the past decade can be largely attributed to Fajardo’s presence on the court. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes him a nightmare for opposing teams, and his leadership qualities have helped mold the Beermen into a cohesive and formidable unit.

Fajardo's Impact on Philippine Basketball

June Mar Fajardo's influence extends beyond just his on-court achievements. He has become a role model for aspiring basketball players in the Philippines. His humility, work ethic, and perseverance serve as an inspiration to many, and his success has paved the way for future generations of Filipino basketball players to dream big.

Fajardo’s story also highlights the importance of mental health in sports. By openly discussing his struggles with anxiety and depression, he has helped break the stigma surrounding mental health issues in the athletic community. His willingness to share his experiences has encouraged others to seek help and support when needed, making a positive impact on the lives of many.

What’s Next for Fajardo and the PBA?

As June Mar Fajardo continues to add to his legacy, the question remains: How much further can he go? With no signs of slowing down, it’s possible that Fajardo could continue to break records and set new standards in the PBA for years to come. His journey is a reminder that greatness is not just about talent, but also about hard work, perseverance, and the ability to overcome challenges.

For fans of Philippine basketball, Fajardo’s continued presence in the league is a cause for celebration. As he chases more championships and individual accolades, the debate over the true GOAT of the PBA will undoubtedly continue. But for Fajardo, the focus remains on improving, winning, and staying true to the values that have brought him this far.

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