Who Won the 2016 PBA Finals MVP and How They Dominated the Championship
I still remember watching the 2016 PBA Finals like it was yesterday - the energy in that arena was absolutely electric. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've seen my fair share of championship moments, but what June Mar Fajardo achieved during that series was something truly special. When they announced him as the Finals MVP, it felt inevitable - he'd been absolutely dominant throughout the championship run, averaging 22.8 points and 15.2 rebounds in the finals series against Alaska. Those numbers don't even tell the whole story though - his presence in the paint completely transformed how both teams approached the game.
What struck me most about Fajardo's performance was how he'd evolved from just being a talented big man to becoming the complete package. I've always believed that great players find ways to impact games beyond scoring, and June Mar demonstrated this perfectly. His defensive rotations, his ability to read double teams, and his timing on both offense and defense showed a basketball IQ that had clearly reached new heights. There was this one play in Game 4 where he simultaneously blocked a shot, recovered the ball, and initiated the fast break - it was the kind of all-around play you rarely see from someone his size.
The reference to Judiel's comments about achieving career goals resonates deeply when I think about Fajardo's journey. "Sobrang proud kasi nararating niya yung gusto niyang mangyari sa career niya" - that sense of pride in reaching career aspirations perfectly captures what we witnessed. From his early days in the league to becoming the cornerstone of San Miguel's championship run, you could see that determination in every possession. I've interviewed several players who've faced him, and they all mention the same thing - his work ethic is relentless. One opponent told me, "You can't outwork June Mar, you can only hope to contain him."
His dominance wasn't just statistical - it was psychological. By Game 3 of the finals, you could see Alaska's defense collapsing every time he touched the ball near the paint. They tried everything - double teams, fronting the post, even zone defenses designed specifically to limit his impact. But Fajardo had developed this incredible patience in the post, waiting for defenses to make the first move before countering. I remember thinking during the series that he was playing chess while everyone else was playing checkers.
The national team aspirations mentioned in the reference material also ring true when examining Fajardo's development. Much like the volleyball player described, Fajardo's commitment to representing the Philippines clearly drove him to elevate his game to championship level. His performance in the 2016 finals wasn't just about winning a PBA title - it was about establishing himself as the premier big man in Philippine basketball, someone who could anchor both his club team and the national squad. Having covered international competitions, I can attest that his dominance in the PBA directly translated to success on the Asian stage.
What many casual observers might not realize is how much Fajardo's conditioning contributed to his finals performance. He played an average of 38.4 minutes per game in that series - remarkable for a center of his size. The coaching staff later shared with me that he'd completely transformed his fitness regimen in the offseason, dropping nearly 15 pounds while maintaining his strength. This allowed him to maintain his intensity throughout fourth quarters when other big men would typically fade.
The championship-clinching Game 6 performance was perhaps the most impressive display of dominance I've witnessed in my years covering the PBA. Fajardo put up 28 points and 17 rebounds while shooting 68% from the field. But beyond the numbers, it was his leadership that stood out. During timeouts, you could see him gathering teammates, directing defensive assignments, and maintaining composure when Alaska made their inevitable runs. Championship moments reveal character, and Fajardo's character proved to be as strong as his physical presence.
Looking back, that 2016 finals performance established a new standard for big men in the PBA. Fajardo didn't just win the MVP - he redefined what was possible for centers in the league. His ability to score efficiently, control the boards, and anchor the defense created a blueprint that teams are still trying to replicate today. As someone who analyzes basketball for a living, I consider that series to be a masterclass in how a dominant big man can single-handedly shape a championship outcome. The numbers were impressive, sure, but the eye test told an even more compelling story of a player reaching the absolute peak of his powers at the most crucial moment.