June Mar Fajardo: Dominating the PBA Best Player of the Conference Race

The Philippine Basketball Association or the PBA, for short, has been the arena for some of the most talented basketball players in Asia. Among these remarkable players, there is one name that consistently dominates headlines and stat sheets alike: June Mar Fajardo. The six-time PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) is currently running for the Best Player of the Conference (BPC) award and it is not mere luck, but hard work, skill, and unbeatable prowess. In the current article, we will discuss Fajardo’s profile, performance in the current conference, and why he is sure to be on his way to winning another award.

The Rise of June Mar Fajardo

June Mar Fajardo, who towers at 6-foot-10 and has been for years, a man mountain in the paint. Fajardo born in Compostela, Cebu, is considered humble when it comes to his background since he did not have the best equipment while practicing Basketball but he did not let that pull him down. He started to attract the attention of scouts while still playing for the University of Cebu Webmasters in the CESAFI (Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc.) where he towered over his competitors being a natural center and power forward with excellent athleticism.

When he was selected first pick in the 2012 PBA draft to play for Petron Blaze Boosters now San Miguel Beermen the basketball enthusiasts understood that the new age had arrived in the country’s premier basketball league. Fajardo got immediately inserted into the starting lineup and could not have taken less time before earning his moniker ‘The Kraken’ for how he dominated the paint. He effectively made himself a steady point guard for his team the San Miguel Beermen where he has guided them to several championships and clinched MVP honors in the process.

Fajardo’s Current Performance: Leading the BPC Race

At the current conference, June Mar Fajardo is in the lead for the BPC award. The man boasts of good statistics and his impact on the Beermen ’s wins has also placed him as the standout bet. Now the questions arise such as: What sets Fajardo’s performance at this conference apart from the others?

Statistical Domination

Some numbers include; The numbers that Fajardo posted in the current conference tell it all about his performance on the floor. Even more crucial has been Fajardo’s inside performance averaging a double-double of 18.5 points and 12.3 rebounds per game, to go with a shooting clip of over 55% from the field. He has continued to control the boards effectively and score; thus, being one of the most effective players in the league.

Fajardo’s tracking and board control have been stand-out factors that have helped San Miguel. He has been particularly aggressive on the team’s offensive boards, supplying the team with a second shot that equals points. It also deserves mention that he spends much time in the paint and has proven himself to be an effective shot-blocker and a presence that teams think twice before approaching the basket.

Leadership and Consistency

Aside from the box scores, Fajardo’s leadership has been big for the Beermen. Some major contractors have been having issues with injuries and other roster issues and Fajardo is ready to offer leadership by example. His performance has remained constant whilst other aspects of the game remain unpredictable essential ingredients for any team that is participating in a league such as the PBA.

The Beermen have depended on Fajardo for points and rebounds as well as play-making for others. In the same way, he has displayed a better court vision, and also his passing has enhanced him enough to be an even more dangerous weapon. In the current system, this versatility has rendered the defense helpless when he is doubled up since he can find the open teammates and demonstrate post control in cases where there is a mismatch.

Clutch Performances

Another reason that has placed Fajardo at the top of BPC is that he steps up during the last moments of the game. And in several exciting games this conference, Fajardo has shown when big shots had to be made from the free throw line, stoppage of the other team’s offense, or scoring baskets to provide the much-needed cushion, he has responded with the right stuff. His leadership is one of the factors why San Miguel remains unbeatable in the league whenever they are placed under pressure.

The Competition: Who’s Chasing Fajardo?

However, Fajardo is currently dominating the BPC race as several other players are presenting their strong arguments. Now let us look at some of the players who are still in the line pursuing Fajardo for the BPC of the conference.

Scottie Thompson (Barangay Ginebra)

The reigning MVP Scottie Thompson has been a prime contender for the BPC award also. As an all-round player, Thompson has been draining the scoresheet with buckets, rebounds, and playmaking. He has been a spark plug on both offense and defense for Barangay Ginebra and is still one of the most entertaining players to witness in the league.

CJ Perez (San Miguel Beermen)

His partner CJ Perez has also been doing well at this conference and has also been producing good numbers. The culprit for this is Perez in particular who can score in sets and repeatedly displayed his strong end-to-basket drive. Fajardo has been his partner for a very long time and has been one of the reasons why the Beermen have been so dominant, and he has been doing pretty well also.

Calvin Abueva (Magnolia Hotshots)

Calvin Abueva has been solid for the Magnolia Hotshots while being branded as “The Beast”. His aggression and work ethic have earned him the position among the main favorites for the BPC award. Abueva has been consistent in terms of his contribution to the team whether it’s offense, boards, or defense, and that has kept Magnolia in the running in this conference.

Mikey Williams (TNT Tropang Giga)

TNT Tropang Giga’s Mikey Williams has also been enjoying a stellar run with his playmaking ability and shooting this conference. His scoring prowess, especially from downtown, has been a thorn in the flesh of most teams’ defense. Williams has provided the needed sparks to help keep TNT afloat in the race and he is so far a player to look out for as the conference goes on.

What Sets Fajardo Apart?

While Several players have done extremely well what makes June Mar Fajardo stand out for the rest? These few aspects depose Fajardo as the one to win the BPC award for this conference.

Unmatched Size and Skill Combination

Fajardo is a giant anyway, but more than the physical tools, he has the skills to back it up. Measuring six feet, ten inches tall, and with a wing span to match he carries the ability to muscled his way to the hoop. However, footwork, ability to use finesse around the paint, and just overall basketball intelligence define him. As it stands, he has honed different post moves that make him pretty hard to defend on an individual basis, and thanks to his good sense in reading the defense, he knows what to do if he is double-teamed, whether to shoot or to pass.

Experience and Poise

The experience advantage is the fact that Fajardo has been in the league for more than 10 years. He has mastered all the contingencies of holding a long conference, and he is such a cool customer under pressure. Although young players have the agility and spirit needed, Fajardo possesses both the experience and the capability needed to clinch necessary moments in a game.

Team Impact

Besides each statistic that appears in the BPC race, the contribution of a player to his team can also matter. Fajardo has been the cornerstone for San Miguel and although he may not necessarily dominate the points statistics, he offers far more than that. That’s why his being on the court helps his teammates improve, and when defenses focus on him, this generates opportunities for others. This kind of impact is invaluable and that’s why San Miguel always remains in the PBA and is always a contender for the championship.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

This means that as the conference continues, the fight for the BPC award will also become more competitive. Fajardo will be challenged by other outstanding volleyball players, as he must keep on setting the pace in the league. Before going further, we are to discuss some of the further steps, along with their benefits and potential problems for “The Kraken.”

Maintaining Health and Stamina

Another point that can be viewed as a weakness for Fajardo is his health which is also a crucial factor affecting the results of the game. Despite his size and the fact he is very physical, he is always at risk of injuries as are most such players. However, in recent years, Fajardo fell out of form due to injuries that made him bench warmers for several games. But in this conference, he has remained healthy, and from what we saw of the Beermen coaching staff, they have ensured that he plays only up to the level that will allow him to be in shape when the playoffs come. As long as Fajardo remains healthy, he will be hard to contain.

Uplifting Teammates

The last factor that will contribute to Fajardo’s success is that he knows how to look for and raise the level of all his teammates. The Beermen have a very talented roster and in general, the squad is rich in talent but the team did not demonstrate proper consistency. Through Fajardo’s leadership, they would be apt in making sure every member of the team is Synergized and put the best foot forward. His capacity to make others participate and to open up chances for them will be keenly felt as the game continues.

Facing Tough Defenses

Frapapa will also be presented with stiffer(defenses) as the conference churns on in the case of Fajardo. The organizers will be able to prepare game strategies that will be aimed at restricting him, they may even dedicate two or three defenders to him alone. Fajardo’s effectiveness in reacting to these defensive strategies will be important. Thankfully for the Beermen, Fajardo has been able to turn things around.