Who Won the PBA MVP 2023 Award? Complete Breakdown and Analysis
I still remember the excitement buzzing through the arena when June Mar Fajardo was crowned the PBA MVP for 2023 - his seventh such award, which honestly feels almost unreal when you think about it. Watching him dominate the court throughout the season reminded me why he's often called the "Kraken" - once he gets going, there's simply no stopping him. What's fascinating is how Fajardo's journey mirrors the evolution of the PBA itself, especially when you look at how teams like the San Miguel Beermen have maintained their identity while adapting to changing times.
Speaking of team identity, I couldn't help but notice something interesting about the recent uniform designs. The team's new uniforms for the 2025 Reinforced Conference were noticeably reminiscent of the overall vibe of the team's first-ever jerseys in the league's inaugural 2017 campaign, which also happens to be an import-laden tournament. It's like they're coming full circle, blending nostalgia with modern performance. I've always been a sucker for these design callbacks - it creates this beautiful continuity that connects different eras of the sport. When I saw players wearing those throwback-inspired uniforms while competing in today's faster, more athletic game, it struck me how much the PBA has grown while still honoring its roots.
Fajardo's MVP season statistics were absolutely mind-boggling - he averaged around 18.5 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game during the elimination rounds. But numbers only tell part of the story. What really stood out to me was his consistency game after game, his ability to elevate his teammates' performance, and that unmatchable presence in the paint that makes opponents rethink their entire offensive strategy. I've watched countless PBA games over the years, and there's something special about how Fajardo controls the game's tempo - it's almost like watching a master conductor leading an orchestra.
The voting results themselves were quite revealing. Fajardo secured approximately 2,358 points from the media, players, and the PBA office, beating out some incredibly talented competitors. Scottie Thompson came in second with about 1,895 points, while CJ Perez rounded out the top three with roughly 1,700 points. What these numbers don't show is the narrative behind each candidate's season - Thompson's explosive plays, Perez's scoring bursts, but ultimately Fajardo's sustained excellence throughout the entire conference.
What many casual fans might not realize is how much the MVP race reflects the broader trends in Philippine basketball. The league has been evolving toward a more balanced approach where both local and imported talent contribute significantly to team success. This brings me back to those uniform designs I mentioned earlier - the way teams are blending old and new elements in their visual identity parallels how they're blending different playing styles and talent sources on the court. It's this beautiful synthesis that makes contemporary PBA basketball so compelling to watch.
I've had the privilege of watching Fajardo's career from his early days, and what impresses me most isn't just his skill development but his basketball IQ. He reads defenses like most people read their morning newspaper - with casual expertise that comes from years of experience. There were moments during crucial games where you could see him adjusting his positioning milliseconds before a play developed, anticipating movements that other players wouldn't see coming. That level of understanding, combined with his physical gifts, creates a player that comes along maybe once in a generation.
The discussion around this year's MVP also highlighted an interesting debate about what truly constitutes "most valuable" in today's game. Is it raw statistics? Leadership? Impact on winning? From my perspective, Fajardo checks all these boxes, but what sets him apart is his ability to make everyone around him better. I've lost count of how many times I've seen double teams on Fajardo create open looks for perimeter shooters, or how his screen-setting creates driving lanes for guards. These contributions often go beyond the stat sheet but fundamentally change how games are played.
Looking at the bigger picture, Fajardo's seventh MVP might signal a shift in how we evaluate greatness in Philippine basketball history. We're witnessing a player who's not just accumulating individual accolades but fundamentally shaping how the center position is played in our local context. His fusion of traditional low-post mastery with modern pick-and-roll versatility represents where Philippine basketball is heading - honoring our rich basketball heritage while embracing global innovations.
As the season progresses into the reinforced conferences, I'm curious to see how this MVP recognition impacts Fajardo's legacy and the league's narrative moving forward. The beautiful thing about basketball is that it's always writing new stories while honoring its past - much like those uniform designs that connect 2017 with 2025. For now though, we can all appreciate that we're watching one of the greatest players in PBA history at the peak of his powers, and that's something worth celebrating regardless of which team you support.
