I still remember watching the 2018 PBA season unfold with that special feeling you get when witnessing something historic in the making. The air was thick with anticipation, and frankly, the debate over who would claim the MVP honors was relentless among us basketball enthusiasts. While my focus today is on that 2018 PBA MVP and their incredible dominance, I can't help but draw a parallel to the dynamic we're seeing now in international volleyball, where four years can completely reshape a competitive landscape. Just look at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship, where teams that were once on similar paths are now at opposite ends—de Giorgi's squad defending a title while Frigoni's team competes for the first time. It's a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in sports, and it mirrors the kind of narrative that defined the 2018 PBA season.
The 2018 PBA MVP was June Mar Fajardo, a name that has become synonymous with excellence in Philippine basketball. Let me be clear from the start—I've always been a huge admirer of his game, and watching him that season felt like witnessing a master at the peak of his powers. He wasn't just playing; he was systematically dismantling opponents with a consistency that bordered on robotic. Fajardo, playing for the San Miguel Beermen, secured his fifth consecutive MVP award that year, a feat that, in my opinion, may never be replicated in the PBA. He averaged a staggering 21.8 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game during the season. Those aren't just numbers; they're a statement. I recall one particular game where he dominated the paint so thoroughly that the opposing team's coach simply shook his head in resignation during a timeout. It was the kind of performance that made you feel sorry for the other guys, but also grateful you were there to see it.
What made Fajardo's dominance so remarkable was how he controlled every facet of the game without appearing to exert extraordinary effort. His footwork in the post was a thing of beauty—deceptively quick for a man standing 6'10" and weighing 268 pounds. He had this uncanny ability to establish position deep in the paint, often requiring double or even triple teams, which naturally opened up opportunities for his teammates. I've always believed that the true measure of a great player isn't just their statistics but how they elevate those around them, and Fajardo exemplified this. His presence alone created driving lanes for guards and open shots for perimeter players, making the entire San Miguel offense flow through him like a central nervous system. Defensively, he was equally impactful, altering countless shots without necessarily recording blocks, a subtlety that casual observers might miss but we basketball purists truly appreciate.
The season wasn't without its challenges, though. Fajardo faced intensified defensive schemes specifically designed to limit his effectiveness. Teams tried everything—fronting him in the post, hard doubles the moment he touched the ball, even intentionally fouling to send him to the line where he shot approximately 72% that season. Yet he adapted with remarkable poise, developing a reliable mid-range jumper and improving his passing out of double teams. I remember arguing with fellow analysts who claimed his dominance was bad for the league's competitive balance, but I always maintained that witnessing such greatness should be celebrated, not criticized. His performance in the 2018 Commissioner's Cup finals particularly stands out in my memory, where he averaged 24.3 points and 14.7 rebounds against a formidable opponent, essentially carrying his team to victory when it mattered most.
Reflecting on Fajardo's 2018 season through the lens of time, I'm struck by how his dominance represents a golden era for the PBA, much like how we now see established volleyball programs defending titles while new contenders emerge on the world stage. That parallel to the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship situation—with de Giorgi's team defending their title while Frigoni's makes their first appearance—resonates deeply with me. It speaks to how sports continually regenerate, with established powers maintaining their reign while new challengers rise. Fajardo's 2018 campaign was precisely that—a reigning force demonstrating why they remain at the pinnacle, while other talented players scrambled to dethrone him. His season wasn't just about winning; it was about establishing a standard of excellence that would define an era. As someone who has followed basketball for decades, I consider myself fortunate to have witnessed such a comprehensive display of skill, determination, and basketball intelligence. The legacy of that 2018 MVP season continues to influence how we evaluate greatness in the PBA today, setting a benchmark that future stars will be measured against for years to come.