Will Anyone Break Junemar Fajardo’s MVP Record? Logic Says No, But We Should All Hope So
When June Mar Fajardo won his eighth PBA Most Valuable Player award, the basketball world knew it was witnessing something historic—something so rare, so dominant, it might never be seen again. The Cebuano giant had not just built a legacy; he had built a monument.
But in true Fajardo fashion, the man behind the achievement remains humble.
“Feeling ko may magbe-break din ng record ko,” he said after San Miguel’s Philippine Cup opener—a casual remark for something that many consider unthinkable. Eight MVPs in just 13 seasons. It’s a bar so high, even the league’s own legends like Atoy Co believe no one will reach it in their lifetime.
And who could blame them? MVPs aren’t just about individual skill. They’re about consistency, durability, team success, and sheer dominance—year after year. Fajardo has all of that, and more. He’s not just an MVP machine; he’s been the anchor of a dynasty, a Finals fixture, and a perennial Mythical Team member. He’s won championships, Finals MVPs, and BPCs, all while playing the game with a quiet, humble demeanor that’s endeared him to fans across generations.
But the possibility—however slim—of someone surpassing that record is what makes his statement so powerful.
He’s not threatened by the idea. He welcomes it.
Because for that to happen, the Philippines would need to produce a player even greater than June Mar Fajardo. Think about that: someone even more dominant. Someone who can change the outcome of games across more than a decade. Someone who not only wins MVPs but becomes the face of a generation.
We should hope that day comes.
Not to diminish Fajardo's greatness—his place among the all-time legends is already secure—but because Philippine basketball needs that kind of player. The national team needs that kind of generational talent. If someone ever does break Fajardo’s MVP record, that player will likely become a pillar for Gilas Pilipinas, a player capable of elevating the country’s international standing.
But here’s the reality: that day isn’t likely to come anytime soon.
Even if a young phenom enters the PBA tomorrow, the road to eight MVPs is long and treacherous. Injuries happen. Teammates change. Narratives shift. The modern game is evolving, and MVP races are becoming tighter with rising parity across teams. Dominating a league the way Fajardo did—not once, but year after year—isn’t just a question of talent. It’s about health, system fit, discipline, and timing. It’s about being great all the time.
So yes, while we should all hope that Fajardo’s record is broken someday—because it would mean Filipino basketball has reached even greater heights—logic dictates that we shouldn’t expect it. Greatness like his doesn’t come around often. It’s not built in a season. It’s earned over a lifetime.
For now, let us celebrate the reign of June Mar Fajardo for what it is: not just an individual accomplishment, but a challenge—an invitation for the next generation to dare to be even better. Whether or not someone breaks his record, his legacy will remain unshaken.
Because when the benchmark is that high, simply trying to reach it already elevates the game.
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