For much of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Finals, it felt as if June Mar Fajardo was on the sidelines as the action unfolded. Through five games, Fajardo was putting in his usual double-doubles and was nearly grabbing as many rebounds as his point totals. During that time, the likes of CJ Perez, Don Trollano, Jericho Cruz, and even Rodney Brondial led the offense, while Fajardo was happy to make the most out of the opportunities that came his way. In Game 6, though, Fajardo took matters into his own hands with a championship within reach. 

Fajardo scored or assisted on nine of the San Miguel Beermen’s first 12 points in Game 6. It was clear that he was out for blood in the title-clincher as he ran back faster than both his opponents and teammates and attacked the paint with no hesitation. 

Even when the TNT Tropang 5G went on to seize the lead in the second half, it was the nine-time PBA MVP who gave the Beermen the lead back. Fajardo then put the finishing touches in the fourth quarter, scoring eight points in the final period on the way to being the first recipient of the Ramon Fernandez PBA Finals Most Valuable Player award. 

It was only fitting that Fajardo was the first recipient of the rebranded Finals MVP award; after all, Fajardo broke Fernandez’ record for most PBA MVPs and both have often been mentioned together because of how they brought glory to SMB and excelled individually while doing so. In a way, the torch continues to be passed, even if everyone knows it was passed a decade ago. 

Beyond the awards and the championship success that came with it, Fajardo has time and time again demonstrated his reliability for San Miguel. Never mind that he is the tallest player during the All-Filipino conference; the 13-time PBA Best Player of the Conference has been able to thrive when needed despite having all eyes and all defenses attuned to him. Double and triple teams have become the norm in each game, but Fajardo has gotten used to it to the point that the passes have become pinpoint and a made shot is more often than not expected. Of course, the extra defense has not deterred his ability to control possessions with his rebounding and it’s a force that has to be reckoned with even when the imports come to town. 

With June Mar Fajardo turning 37 later this year in November, we are likely seeing the twilight of his storied career. Big men of his stature and wear-and-tear can’t carry on for much longer, but unlike them, Fajardo could take on a more subdued role and still thrive at it. He’ll likely remain with the San Miguel Beermen and continue to remain a presence, but when the lights shine bright, we could very well see the Fajardo of old coming forward to bring another championship to the PBA’s most successful franchise.