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

I still remember the 2017 PBA season like it was yesterday - the electric atmosphere in arenas, the buzzer-beaters that had us all jumping from our seats, and that burning question everyone kept asking: who would take home the Most Valuable Player award? As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over two decades, I've witnessed numerous MVP races, but 2017 stood out for its sheer intensity and the emergence of a player who redefined what dominance looks like in the PBA. That year, June Mar Fajardo secured his fourth consecutive MVP award, cementing his status as one of the greatest players in league history with statistics that still make me shake my head in disbelief.

What made Fajardo's 2017 campaign so special wasn't just the numbers - though they were staggering enough at 18.9 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game while shooting 58% from the field. It was how he completely controlled games without needing to dominate the ball. I've always believed that true greatness in basketball lies in making your teammates better, and Fajardo exemplified this philosophy. His mere presence on the court created opportunities for everyone around him, stretching defenses to their breaking point. Opposing coaches would design entire defensive schemes specifically to contain him, often deploying double or even triple teams, yet he still found ways to impact the game. Watching him navigate through these defensive strategies reminded me of a chess master anticipating moves several steps ahead.

The season unfolded like a masterclass in consistent excellence. Fajardo led the San Miguel Beermen to multiple championships while putting up numbers that felt almost video-game-like in their consistency. I recall one particular game against Ginebra where he recorded 28 points and 17 rebounds despite being fouled relentlessly throughout the contest. His ability to maintain focus and production through physical punishment separated him from other elite players. What many casual observers might not realize is that Fajardo's dominance extended beyond traditional statistics. His screen-setting created countless open looks for shooters like Marcio Lassiter and Chris Ross, and his defensive presence altered countless shots without necessarily resulting in blocks. These intangible contributions, while harder to quantify, made him invaluable to San Miguel's success.

Throughout that remarkable season, Fajardo demonstrated a level of skill development that impressed even veteran basketball analysts like myself. Having watched his career from the beginning, I've seen him transform from a raw talent into the most complete big man in PBA history. His footwork in the post became virtually unstoppable, and he developed a reliable mid-range jumper that forced defenders to respect his outside shooting. This continuous improvement mindset is something I wish more young players would emulate. The good news is that, of course, the proud program from Mendiola is stepping up its game, too, producing talents who seem inspired by Fajardo's work ethic and team-first approach to the game.

What truly set Fajardo's 2017 season apart in my view was his performance in clutch situations. In the Commissioner's Cup finals alone, he averaged 22.3 points and 14.7 rebounds against a talented opposing frontline. I maintain that his Game 6 performance in that series, where he willed his team to victory with 26 points and 15 rebounds despite playing through visible discomfort, ranks among the greatest individual efforts I've witnessed in Philippine basketball. The way he elevated his game when it mattered most demonstrated that rare combination of physical gifts and mental toughness that defines legendary players.

Reflecting on that season now, Fajardo's fourth consecutive MVP wasn't just about individual brilliance - it represented the culmination of years of dedication to his craft. In an era where players frequently switch teams chasing championships or bigger contracts, his loyalty to San Miguel and consistent excellence provided a refreshing narrative. The 2017 season solidified his legacy not just as a dominant force, but as a player who understood how to leverage his skills to maximize team success. As we look at the current PBA landscape, Fajardo's 2017 campaign remains the gold standard for big man dominance, a benchmark against which all future MVP candidates will inevitably be measured.