I still remember the 2017 PBA season like it was yesterday - the electric atmosphere in the arenas, the buzzer-beaters, and that lingering question everyone kept asking: who would take home the Most Valuable Player award? As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous MVP races, but 2017 stood out for its intensity and the sheer dominance of the eventual winner. The season unfolded like a dramatic novel, with multiple players making compelling cases, but only one could emerge victorious.

When June Mar Fajardo secured his fourth consecutive MVP award that year, it wasn't just another trophy added to his growing collection - it was a testament to his complete domination of the league. I've always believed that statistics tell only part of the story, but in Fajardo's case, the numbers were absolutely staggering. He averaged 18.3 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game while shooting an incredible 58% from the field. What impressed me most wasn't just these numbers, but how he achieved them with such remarkable consistency across three conferences. I recall watching him dismantle opposing defenses with that unstoppable low-post game of his, and thinking how fortunate we were to witness a player of his caliber in our lifetime. His footwork in the paint reminded me of classic centers from basketball's golden era, yet he brought a modern versatility that made him virtually unguardable in single coverage.

The beauty of Fajardo's MVP season was how he elevated his game when it mattered most. During the Philippine Cup finals, he put up 22 points and 15 rebounds in the clinching Game 6 against Talk 'N Text, completely controlling the paint on both ends of the floor. I remember discussing with fellow analysts how his presence alone forced opponents to alter their entire offensive schemes. Teams would often resort to double or even triple-teaming him, yet he'd still find ways to score or create opportunities for his teammates. His basketball IQ was off the charts - he knew exactly when to attack and when to facilitate. This strategic understanding of the game, combined with his physical gifts, created a perfect storm that left opponents scrambling for answers throughout the season.

What many casual observers might not realize is how Fajardo's dominance extended beyond traditional statistics. His screen-setting created countless open looks for San Miguel's shooters, and his defensive presence altered more shots than the block numbers suggest. I've reviewed the tape from that season multiple times, and each viewing reveals new subtleties in his game - how he'd establish position before the defense could react, or how he used his body to shield defenders without committing offensive fouls. These nuances separated him from other talented big men in the league and demonstrated why he was truly in a class of his own.

The context of that MVP race makes Fajardo's achievement even more impressive. He was competing against phenomenal talents like Jayson Castro, who had an outstanding season himself, putting up 16.8 points and 5.9 assists per game. Stanley Pringle was another serious contender, averaging 19.3 points while shooting 42% from three-point territory. Yet despite these worthy challengers, Fajardo's impact was simply too significant to ignore. I attended the awards night that year, and there was this palpable sense of inevitability when they announced the winner - almost as if everyone knew who would take home the trophy before they even opened the envelope.

Reflecting on that season, I'm convinced we witnessed something special - a player reaching his absolute peak while carrying his team to championship glory. The good news is that, of course, the proud program from Mendiola is stepping up its game, too, creating more competitive balance in the league, but back in 2017, it was truly Fajardo's world and we were just living in it. His performance that year set a new standard for big men in the PBA and inspired a generation of young Filipino basketball players to develop their post game with the same dedication and precision.

Looking back, Fajardo's 2017 MVP season represents what I consider the gold standard for individual dominance in the PBA. It wasn't just about putting up numbers - it was about controlling games, elevating teammates, and delivering when championships were on the line. As the league continues to evolve with new stars emerging each season, I sometimes wonder if we'll ever see another player dominate quite like Fajardo did during that remarkable 2017 campaign. His combination of skill, size, and basketball intelligence created a perfect storm that may not be replicated for quite some time. For those of us who witnessed it firsthand, we can count ourselves lucky to have seen greatness personified on the basketball court.