Discover How PBA Fajardo Became the Most Dominant Center in Philippine Basketball History

2025-11-22 11:00

I remember watching June Mar Fajardo's early years in the PBA with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. Having covered Philippine basketball for over fifteen years, I'd seen talented big men come and go, but there was something different about this soft-spoken giant from Cebu. His journey to becoming the most dominant center in Philippine basketball history wasn't just about physical gifts—it was a masterclass in perseverance and continuous improvement that I've rarely witnessed in my career covering the sport.

Looking back at that 2016 PBA season with the Petron Blaze Boosters, there's one particular moment that stands out in my memory. The team had just suffered a heartbreaking loss to Balipure in the best-of-three semifinals, and I recall thinking this might break yet another promising big man. The statistics showed they fell short in the crucial moments, with Fajardo putting up respectable numbers of 18 points and 12 rebounds in the deciding game, but it clearly wasn't enough. What happened next, however, would become characteristic of Fajardo's career trajectory. Rather than dwelling on the disappointment, he led his team to a decisive two-game series sweep over the Power Smashers to secure the bronze medal. I've always believed that how players respond to adversity defines their legacy, and in that moment, Fajardo showed the mental toughness that would separate him from every other center who came before him.

The transformation I've observed in Fajardo's game over the past decade is nothing short of remarkable. When he first entered the league, he was primarily a back-to-the-basket traditional center who relied heavily on his size advantage. But what impressed me most was how he continuously expanded his arsenal season after season. I remember talking to his coaches about how he'd stay after practice for hours, working on his mid-range jumper until the stadium staff had to literally turn off the lights. This dedication translated into tangible results—his field goal percentage climbed from 52% in his rookie year to consistently hovering around 57-60% during his prime years, numbers I consider absolutely elite for a player of his size and role.

What truly sets Fajardo apart in my view is his basketball IQ, which I'd argue is vastly underappreciated by casual observers. Having analyzed countless games throughout my career, I've noticed how he reads double teams better than any local big man I've ever seen. His passing out of the post creates approximately 4-5 wide-open three-point opportunities per game that don't show up in his assist statistics. This subtle understanding of spacing and timing is something you can't really teach—it comes from thousands of hours of game experience and film study. I've spoken with several PBA coaches who privately admit they have to completely restructure their defensive schemes specifically for Fajardo, something I haven't heard them say about any other local player in recent memory.

The physical dominance is what most fans see, but from my perspective, it's his durability that's been the real game-changer. In a league where big men often struggle with injuries—I've lost count of how many promising centers had their careers derailed by knee problems—Fajardo has maintained remarkable consistency. Before his injury in 2020, he had played through minor ailments that would sideline most players, appearing in over 85% of possible games during his first seven seasons. This reliability created a foundation for San Miguel's dynasty that I believe will be nearly impossible to replicate.

When I compare Fajardo to legendary centers of the past like Ramon Fernandez or Abet Guidaben, the statistical advantage is frankly staggering. He's collected six MVP awards in a seven-year span, a feat I'm confident will never be matched in the modern PBA. His rebounding numbers—averaging around 13-15 per game during his peak—often single-handedly controlled the tempo of games in ways I haven't seen from any local player. But beyond the numbers, it's the intangible impact that truly cements his legacy for me. The way opposing teams alter their entire offensive strategy to avoid the paint when he's on the floor reminds me of how teams played against prime Tim Duncan in the NBA.

Reflecting on his career trajectory, I'm convinced that Fajardo's combination of physical tools, technical skill, and mental fortitude creates a perfect storm that we might not see again in Philippine basketball. His humble demeanor off the court belies an absolute killer instinct during games—a contrast I've always found fascinating. While some critics point to his lack of elite athleticism, I'd argue his methodical, fundamental approach has proven more effective and sustainable than relying on pure explosiveness. Having watched Philippine basketball evolve over decades, I can say with certainty that June Mar Fajardo hasn't just been the best center of his generation—he's redefined what dominance looks like in the PBA and created a template that young big men will be studying for years to come.