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I still remember watching the 2016 PBA Governors' Cup Finals like it was yesterday - the energy in the Smart Araneta Coliseum was absolutely electric. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous championship moments, but what June Mar Fajardo achieved during that series was something truly special. When they announced him as the Finals MVP, it felt inevitable, yet still remarkable given the context. The San Miguel Beermen were facing the Meralco Bolts, and Fajardo put on a masterclass that reminded everyone why he's considered one of the greatest players in PBA history.

Looking back at that championship run, Fajardo's dominance wasn't just about the numbers, though they were certainly impressive. He averaged 18.3 points, 14.8 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks throughout the finals series, but what those stats don't capture is how he completely controlled the game's tempo. I recall thinking during Game 4 how Meralco simply had no answer for him in the paint - they tried double-teaming, they tried fronting him, they even attempted to push him out of his comfort zone, but nothing worked. His footwork was impeccable, his positioning was brilliant, and his understanding of when to attack versus when to facilitate was just on another level compared to previous seasons.

What made Fajardo's performance particularly memorable for me was witnessing his evolution from a raw talent into this complete basketball force. I've followed his career since his UAAP days with the University of Cebu, and seeing him develop that killer instinct was remarkable. During the crucial Game 6 clincher, with San Miguel needing to close out the series, Fajardo delivered 21 points and 17 rebounds while playing 42 minutes. The most impressive part? He shot 8-of-12 from the field despite constant defensive pressure. I remember turning to my colleague during the third quarter and saying, "This is what greatness looks like" - he was simply unstoppable when it mattered most.

The reference to Judiel's comments about achieving career goals resonates deeply when I think about Fajardo's journey. Much like the volleyball player described, Fajardo had clearly visualized this moment long before it happened. From his early days in Cebu to becoming the cornerstone of San Miguel's dynasty, his path demonstrates that same determination Judiel described - wanting to reach the pinnacle of one's sport and making the necessary sacrifices to get there. Watching Fajardo hoist that Finals MVP trophy, I couldn't help but feel we were witnessing someone living out their basketball destiny.

What often gets overlooked in discussions about that finals series is how Fajardo's dominance created opportunities for his teammates. While analyzing the game tapes later, I counted at least 12 instances where Meralco's defense collapsed so severely on Fajardo that it left San Miguel's perimeter shooters wide open. This gravitational pull effect is something stats sheets don't fully capture, but anyone who understands basketball could see it happening in real time. His mere presence on the court elevated everyone else's game, which is the mark of a truly transformative player.

I've always believed that great players save their best performances for the biggest moments, and Fajardo's Game 5 performance perfectly exemplified this. With the series tied 2-2, he delivered what I consider one of the most complete games of his career - 19 points, 16 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 3 assists. The way he dominated both ends of the floor reminded me of vintage Tim Duncan performances I'd studied from NBA finals. There was a sequence in the fourth quarter where he blocked a shot, ran the floor, established position, and scored through a double team that essentially broke Meralco's spirit. That single possession demonstrated his complete mastery of the game.

Reflecting on that championship run years later, what stands out to me is how Fajardo's 2016 Finals MVP performance represented a turning point in PBA history. It cemented his status as the league's premier big man and set the stage for San Miguel's continued dominance in the following seasons. The numbers are impressive on their own, but having watched countless PBA finals over the years, I can confidently say that Fajardo's combination of skill, intelligence, and sheer force of will during those six games was something we may not see again for quite some time. His performance didn't just win San Miguel a championship - it redefined what we expect from PBA big men in the modern era.