San Miguel’s recent struggles in the 2024-2025 PBA Commissioner’s Cup have sparked a critical discussion about the team’s leadership and mentality. Once a dominant force in the league, the Beermen now find themselves on the brink of elimination, with their fate no longer in their hands.
Amid this crisis, the spotlight has turned to their longtime cornerstone, June Mar Fajardo. The seven-time MVP is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in PBA history, but does he have the killer instinct required to lead San Miguel to a Grand Slam?
Where is the Fire?
Throughout basketball history, the greatest leaders have been those with an insatiable hunger for victory. In the PBA, legends like Robert Jaworski and Mark Caguioa played with relentless energy and an unwavering will to win. In the NBA, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan were infamous for their ruthless competitiveness, demanding excellence from themselves and their teammates at all times.
Fajardo, on the other hand, has always been known for his humility, soft-spoken nature, and team-first mentality. While these are admirable traits, there is a growing sentiment that his gentle demeanor might be preventing San Miguel from reaching its full potential. The team is in a downward spiral, yet Fajardo remains composed, hopeful, and patient.
His response to San Miguel’s current predicament reflects his personality:
"Tagilid kami ngayon. Pero may chance pa naman kami. Hopeful pa rin kami."
There’s nothing wrong with optimism, but where is the urgency? Where is the fire that players like Jaworski and Caguioa would have displayed in this situation?
Tolerating Mediocrity?
San Miguel is a franchise built on championship expectations. They don’t just aim to make the playoffs—they aim to dominate. But after a string of uninspired performances, including a crushing 115-97 loss to TNT, Fajardo and his team seem too accepting of their fate.
In a different era, a player like Jordan or Bryant would be fuming. They would be holding teammates accountable, demanding more from the coaching staff, and making it clear that anything less than a championship is unacceptable.
Fajardo, on the other hand, is handling the situation with calm acceptance.
“Siyempre malungkot ‘yung team pero high hopes pa rin kami,” he said.
Is this attitude part of the problem? Should San Miguel’s leader be tolerating this level of play from his team?
Is Fajardo’s Leadership Style Holding San Miguel Back?
Fajardo’s greatness is unquestionable. He has dominated the league for over a decade, racking up MVP trophies and championships. However, individual greatness does not always translate to a championship mentality.
San Miguel has been knocking on the door of a Grand Slam for years but has never managed to break through. While injuries and roster changes have played a role, the biggest question remains: does this team have the mental toughness and hunger to win three straight championships?
For all his talent, Fajardo has yet to prove that he can lead a team with the same ferocity as the legends before him. If San Miguel wants to take the next step and reclaim its dominance, it might be time for Fajardo to embrace a different mindset.
The Harsh Reality
San Miguel is running out of chances in this Commissioner’s Cup, and for the first time in 22 conferences, they might miss the playoffs. If that happens, it will be a wake-up call for the franchise.
Fajardo doesn’t need to change who he is entirely, but he does need to evolve as a leader. He needs to set the tone for this team—not just with his play, but with his mentality. Great players don’t just accept struggles; they demand solutions.
If San Miguel ever wants to complete a Grand Slam, Fajardo may need to find the killer instinct that the all-time greats possessed. Otherwise, the Beermen will continue to fall short of the ultimate goal.
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