Who Won the 2017 PBA MVP Award and How They Dominated the Season

2025-11-05 09:00

I still remember the buzz surrounding the 2017 PBA season like it was yesterday - the electric atmosphere in stadiums, the heated debates among fans, and that lingering question everyone kept asking: who would ultimately claim the MVP honors? As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over two decades, I've witnessed numerous standout performances, but what June Mar Fajardo achieved that season was something truly special. The man wasn't just playing basketball - he was rewriting the record books while carrying the San Miguel Beermen on his broad shoulders. Let me walk you through exactly how this gentle giant dominated the league in ways we hadn't seen before.

When the season began, there were whispers about whether Fajardo could maintain his incredible form from previous years. Boy, did he silence those doubts quickly. The 6'10" center from Cebu put up numbers that still make me shake my head in disbelief - averaging 18.3 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game while shooting an absurd 63% from the field. Those aren't just MVP numbers - those are video game statistics that would make even the most seasoned basketball analysts do a double take. What impressed me most wasn't just the raw production, but his incredible efficiency. He seemed to know exactly when to dominate inside and when to facilitate for his teammates, demonstrating basketball IQ that's rare for players of his size.

The beauty of Fajardo's game that season was his sheer consistency. Night after night, you could pencil him in for a double-double before the opening tip. I recall watching him against Ginebra in the Commissioner's Cup where he absolutely dominated Greg Slaughter in their head-to-head matchup, putting up 25 points and 15 rebounds while completely controlling the paint. His footwork had improved dramatically from previous seasons, and he'd developed this unstoppable baby hook shot that defenders simply couldn't contest effectively. What many casual fans might not realize is how much work he put in during the offseason to expand his game beyond just being a traditional low-post presence.

Now, here's where things get really interesting from my perspective. While Fajardo was busy putting up historic numbers, the league itself was undergoing significant changes. The good news is that, of course, the proud program from Mendiola is stepping up its game, too - and I've always believed that rising tides lift all boats. The increased competition and evolving style of play across the PBA made Fajardo's dominance even more remarkable. Teams were throwing everything they had at him - double teams, triple teams, strategic fouls - yet he kept producing at an elite level. I remember talking to several coaches that season who admitted they simply didn't have an answer for him, no matter what defensive schemes they tried to implement.

What truly separated Fajardo's 2017 campaign from other great seasons I've witnessed was his impact beyond the statistics. His presence on the court completely warped opposing teams' defensive strategies, creating opportunities for his teammates that simply wouldn't exist otherwise. Arwind Santos and Marcio Lassiter had career years in large part because defenses were so focused on containing Fajardo in the paint. The Beermen's offensive system revolved around him in ways we rarely see in modern basketball, and honestly, it was beautiful to watch when everything clicked. Their championship run that season wasn't just about Fajardo's individual brilliance - it was about how he elevated everyone around him.

The MVP voting itself wasn't particularly close, which surprised exactly nobody who'd been paying attention. Fajardo received 2,363 points in the voting system, comfortably ahead of second-place finisher Jayson Castro who had 1,467 points. Those numbers tell you everything you need to know about how the players, media, and the league office viewed his season. This was his fourth consecutive MVP award, tying the legendary Ramon Fernandez's record - and doing it in an era where the competition was arguably tougher and more balanced across the league.

Looking back, what I appreciate most about that season was how Fajardo handled the pressure and expectations. The man could have rested on his laurels after three straight MVP awards, but instead he came back hungrier and more determined. His work ethic became the stuff of legend around the league - I heard stories about him being the first player in the gym and the last to leave, constantly working on new moves and refining his existing skills. That commitment to continuous improvement is something I wish more young players would emulate today.

The legacy of that 2017 season continues to resonate throughout the PBA. Fajardo set a new standard for big men in the league, proving that dominance doesn't always mean flashy plays or highlight-reel dunks. Sometimes excellence looks like consistent fundamental basketball played at the highest possible level. His performance that year raised the bar for what we should expect from MVP candidates, blending individual statistics with team success in ways that few players have managed before or since. As the league continues to evolve with new talents emerging every season, I find myself comparing them to what Fajardo accomplished during that remarkable 2017 campaign - and honestly, most come up short. There are great players, and then there are transcendent talents who redefine positions and expectations. That season, June Mar Fajardo proved he belonged firmly in the latter category.