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 stadiums, 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 felt particularly special. The competition was fierce, with several players having career-defining seasons that made this one of the toughest MVP decisions in recent memory.

When June Mar Fajardo was announced as the 2017 PBA MVP, honestly, I wasn't surprised - but I was absolutely amazed. This marked his fourth consecutive MVP award, tying the legendary Ramon Fernandez's record, and frankly, I don't think we'll see another dominant stretch like this for a very long time. What made Fajardo's season so remarkable wasn't just the statistics, though his numbers were staggering - he averaged 18.3 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game while shooting 58% from the field. It was how he completely controlled games without needing to be the loudest or flashiest player on the court. His dominance felt inevitable, like watching gravity work - you know what's coming, but you can't stop it.

I've always believed that true greatness reveals itself in crucial moments, and Fajardo's performance during the 2017 Philippine Cup finals perfectly demonstrated why he deserved that MVP trophy. With the series tied 2-2 against Talk 'N Text, he put up 23 points and 18 rebounds in Game 5, then followed it with 22 points and 15 rebounds in the championship-clinching Game 6. Watching him operate in the post was like observing a master craftsman at work - every move calculated, every drop step purposeful. His footwork reminded me of vintage NBA big men, the kind who could score with three defenders hanging on them. What many casual fans might not realize is that Fajardo played through a knee injury during parts of that season, which makes his consistency even more impressive.

The landscape of Philippine basketball was evolving rapidly in 2017, and Fajardo's dominance represented something larger than individual achievement. The good news is that, of course, the proud program from Mendiola is stepping up its game, too, creating a more competitive environment that pushes established stars like Fajardo to continually improve. I've noticed this trend across the league - when one program raises its standards, others must follow or risk being left behind. This healthy competition ultimately elevates the entire sport, giving us fans more thrilling basketball to enjoy season after season.

What separated Fajardo from other phenomenal players that season, in my opinion, was his basketball IQ. I recall specifically watching him against GlobalPort, where he recognized double teams coming before they even formed, making perfect passes to open shooters. He recorded 12 games with 20+ points and 15+ rebounds that season, but what those numbers don't show is how he made his teammates better. Alex Cabagnot and Marcio Lassiter benefited tremendously from the attention Fajardo commanded, often finding themselves with wide-open looks because defenses were so focused on containing the "Kraken."

The MVP race wasn't without its compelling alternatives - Stanley Pringle was absolutely spectacular, putting up 21.4 points per game and carrying GlobalPort in ways I haven't seen many guards do in the PBA. Jayson Castro continued to demonstrate why he's considered one of Asia's best guards, and Calvin Abueva brought his unique brand of energy and versatility. But Fajardo's impact transcended statistics - his presence alone forced opponents to completely redesign their defensive schemes, often dedicating two or even three defenders to slow him down. I remember chatting with coaches who admitted they'd rather let San Miguel's shooters take open threes than allow Fajardo single coverage in the post.

Looking back, what fascinates me most about Fajardo's 2017 campaign was how he maintained excellence despite the tremendous pressure of chasing history. Every game, he faced opponents giving their absolute best because nobody wants to be on the highlight reel of a potential MVP. The mental fortitude required to perform under those circumstances is something I don't think gets enough discussion in basketball analysis. Through 42 games that season, he shot 62% in fourth quarters when games were within 5 points - that's clutch performance that statistics can measure but never fully capture.

The legacy of Fajardo's 2017 MVP season continues to influence how we evaluate big men in the PBA today. He demonstrated that traditional post players could still dominate in an increasingly perimeter-oriented game, provided they combined fundamental skills with modern conditioning. His workout regimen reportedly included swimming and specialized agility drills that kept him mobile despite his 6'10" frame. As someone who's watched Philippine basketball evolve through different eras, I consider Fajardo's 2017 season among the top five individual campaigns I've ever witnessed - right up there with Vergel Meneses' spectacular 1995 season and Asi Taulava's dominant 2003 performance.

Reflecting on that 2017 season now, I'm struck by how Fajardo's MVP year represented both continuity and evolution in Philippine basketball. While honoring the traditional big man archetype that has always been valuable in our basketball culture, he also adapted to modern demands for versatility and two-way impact. The excitement surrounding his achievement, combined with the rising competitiveness from programs like the one from Mendiola, created a perfect storm that elevated the entire league. Five years later, I still find myself referring to that season when evaluating current MVP candidates - it set a standard for sustained excellence that remains the benchmark for greatness in our beloved sport.