Who Will Win the PBA MVP Trophy This Season and Why They Deserve It

2025-11-14 12:00

As I sit here watching the PBA games unfold this season, I can't help but feel that we're witnessing something special in the making. The MVP race has become particularly fascinating this year, with several players making compelling cases for the prestigious trophy. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade now, I've seen my share of MVP seasons, but this year feels different - it's not just about statistics, but about something deeper that separates the true contenders from the merely excellent players.

Let me tell you why June Mar Fajardo stands out to me this season. The six-time MVP is putting up numbers that would make any statistician's head spin - he's averaging 18.7 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting an incredible 58% from the field. But what really caught my attention was something he said in a recent interview that made me understand why he continues to dominate year after year. "It's my foundation. My faith is my foundation. It's the reason that I'm able to smile and be here and still have so much joy in what I do," he shared. This perspective, this spiritual grounding, translates directly to his performance on the court. I've noticed how he maintains composure during high-pressure situations, how he lifts his teammates even when they're down by 15 points, and how he plays with a consistency that seems almost supernatural. His faith isn't just a personal matter - it's become the bedrock of his professional excellence, and frankly, it's what makes him so darn reliable when the game is on the line.

Now, I know some analysts are pushing hard for Scottie Thompson, and I get it - the guy is phenomenal. He's averaging a triple-double in their last 10 games, which is absolutely ridiculous when you think about it. But here's where I differ from the mainstream opinion: while Thompson's stats are flashier, Fajardo's impact is more profound. I remember watching their crucial game against Ginebra last month where Fajardo scored only 14 points but completely controlled the paint, altered countless shots, and essentially dictated the game's tempo without needing to fill up the stat sheet. That's the kind of value that doesn't always show up in the numbers but wins championships.

What really convinces me about Fajardo's MVP case is how he's evolved his game this season. At 33 years old, he's actually improved his free throw percentage to 78%, up from 69% last season, which shows his dedication to refining even the smallest aspects of his game. He's also taken on more leadership responsibility, especially with the younger players. I spoke with one of the team's assistant coaches off the record last week, and he told me Fajardo has been staying after practice for an extra hour every day working with the rookies - that's the kind of commitment that statistics can't capture but absolutely should factor into MVP considerations.

The competition is undoubtedly fierce. CJ Perez is having a career year, putting up 22.4 points per game, and Jamie Malonzo's athleticism has been nothing short of spectacular. But when I weigh everything - the consistency, the leadership, the clutch performances, and that intangible quality of making everyone around him better - Fajardo still tops my list. I've been covering this league long enough to recognize when a player is having not just a great statistical season, but a transformative one. Fajardo's ability to maintain his dominance while helping transform San Miguel into a more cohesive unit has been remarkable to watch.

There's another aspect that often gets overlooked in these discussions - durability. While other contenders have missed games due to various injuries, Fajardo has played in all 28 games so far this season. That reliability matters, especially when you consider how his presence alone forces opponents to completely redesign their defensive schemes. I've lost count of how many times I've seen teams double-team him from the opening tip, only to watch him patiently find the open man for easy baskets.

As we approach the final stretch of the season, with about 15 games remaining for most teams, the MVP picture is becoming clearer. My prediction? Fajardo will secure his seventh MVP trophy, and he'll do it not just because of his numbers, but because of that foundation he talked about. That spiritual and mental strength gives him an edge that goes beyond physical talent. It's what allows him to perform at an elite level consistently, to handle the pressure of expectations, and to genuinely enjoy the process despite the immense pressure. In my book, that combination of exceptional skill and unwavering foundation makes him not just the most valuable player, but the most complete ambassador for the sport we all love. The way I see it, the MVP trophy isn't just about who put up the best numbers - it's about who embodied the spirit of excellence throughout the season, and this year, that person is June Mar Fajardo.