Who Won the 2016 PBA Finals MVP Award and Their Historic Performance?
I still remember watching the 2016 PBA Finals like it was yesterday - the electric atmosphere, the roaring crowds, and that incredible performance by June Mar Fajardo that would cement his legacy in Philippine basketball history. As someone who's followed the PBA for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous championship moments, but what Fajardo accomplished during that 2016 Commissioner's Cup Finals was something truly special. The San Miguel Beermen were facing the Alaska Aces, and while the series went the full seven games, there was never any doubt in my mind about who would emerge as the Finals MVP.
When people ask me about Fajardo's 2016 Finals performance, the first thing that comes to mind is his sheer dominance in the paint. He averaged 18.3 points and 15.1 rebounds throughout the series, but numbers alone don't capture his impact. What made his performance historic was how he completely controlled the game's tempo - when San Miguel needed a bucket, they could always count on dumping the ball into Fajardo in the post. I recall specifically Game 4 where he put up 23 points and 17 rebounds, completely overwhelming Alaska's defense. His footwork for a man standing 6'10" was absolutely mesmerizing - he'd establish position so deep that even double teams couldn't stop him from getting his shots off.
What many casual fans might not realize is how Fajardo's journey to that MVP moment reflects the kind of dedication Judiel mentioned in that heartfelt quote about achieving career goals. "Sobrang proud kasi nararating niya yung gusto niyang mangyari sa career niya" - this perfectly captures Fajardo's trajectory. From his humble beginnings in Cebu to becoming the PBA's most dominant force, his story resonates because we've watched him grow into this role. I've always admired how he maintained that hunger season after season, much like an athlete who dreams of national team glory from their very first day in the sport.
The clinching Game 7 was where Fajardo truly earned his MVP honors, contributing 21 points and 16 rebounds while playing through what appeared to be considerable discomfort. I remember thinking during the fourth quarter that Alaska had no answer for him - every time they made a run, Fajardo would either score in the post, grab a crucial offensive rebound, or draw enough defensive attention to create opportunities for his teammates. His performance reminded me of why I fell in love with basketball - witnessing a player completely take over when it mattered most.
Looking back, Fajardo's 2016 Finals MVP wasn't just about that particular series - it represented his arrival as the league's unquestioned best player. He became the first player in PBA history to win four consecutive MVP awards later that season, and his Finals performance was the exclamation point on his dominance. The way he elevated his game when championships were on the line separates good players from legends, and Fajardo proved he belonged in that legendary category.
I've always believed that great athletes share that common thread Judiel described - that burning desire from the very beginning to reach the highest level. Fajardo embodied this perfectly. His journey wasn't accidental; it was the result of years of dedication, much like "simula pa lang nung nag-start siyang mag-volleyball, gusto niya na rin talaga makasama sa national team" - except in his case, it was basketball from the start, with eyes firmly set on PBA greatness.
What made Fajardo's performance particularly impressive was how he adapted throughout the series. Early on, Alaska tried to push him out of the paint, but he adjusted by developing that reliable mid-range jumper. When they doubled him, he improved his passing out of the post. By the final games, he was essentially dictating how Alaska could defend him rather than reacting to their strategies. This evolution during a high-pressure finals series demonstrated his basketball IQ and work ethic.
The historical significance of that 2016 Finals MVP extends beyond just another trophy in Fajardo's crowded cabinet. It marked the moment when he truly embraced being the franchise player San Miguel needed him to be. Previous seasons had shown flashes of his potential, but 2016 was when he consistently delivered championship-level performances. I'd argue it was the series that transformed him from a talented big man into the cornerstone of a dynasty.
Reflecting on that 2016 performance years later, what stands out to me is how Fajardo made history look routine. There was no flashy celebration after big plays - just business-like focus that communicated he expected to dominate every time he stepped on the court. This quiet confidence, combined with his undeniable skill, made his Finals MVP performance one for the ages. It's the kind of career milestone that makes you proud as a basketball fan, watching someone achieve what they've worked for their entire career - exactly what that beautiful Filipino quote so perfectly expresses.