June Mar Fajardo came into the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) in 2012 as the first overall of the draft. Back then, none expected that he would be making history and insert himself in the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) conversation.

For years, the conversation of who the GOAT is in the PBA has led to two players Ramon Fernandez and Robert Jaworski. Occasionally, the names of Alvin Patrimonio, Johnny Abarrientos, Benjie Paras and other legendary players are thrown into the discussion.

That is, until the Cebuano big-man came into the league and started wreaking havoc in the court and making history year after year. This eventually led to him being considered as the GOAT despite playing only seven years in the league.

So, where is Fajardo in the GOAT conversation right now?

The strongest argument for the 6’10” big man is that he made history last season by becoming the only six-time Most Valuable Player in the history of the PBA, and that he did it in six-consecutive years.

The closest players to his record are Fernandez and Patrimonio, who both won the MVP title four times in their legendary careers. Fajardo passed both of them in just six seasons

However, being the GOAT doesn’t only mean individual success. Championships are also a big factor when it comes to discussing who is the greatest player to ever play. In that department, Fajardo’s eight championships are no joke considering five of those came from winning the Philippine Cup title five consecutive years.

The 30-year-old gentle giant’s eight titles however are no match for Fernandez’ 19 PBA Championships. Another legend that has more championship rings than him is Jaworski, who is considered by many as the icon of the league and won 13 championships during his illustrious 23-year career in the league.

Another notable name is Abarrientos, he won 12 championships in his career and is considered as the best point guard ever.

In terms of individual numbers however, Fajardo still has a lot of ways to go as the legendary Fernandez is still at the top of the mountain in terms of points (18,996), rebounds (8,652), blocks (1.853) and free throws made (3,848). He’s also second all-time in steals (1,302), behind Abarrientos (1,358) and in assists (5,220) behind Jaworski (5,825).

In his last seven years in the league, Fajardo has at least proven that he deserves to be in the conversation of the GOAT. Unfortunately, as he tries to continue  with his dominance, injury struck as he suffered a complete fracture on his right tibia during a team practice last February.

This forced the Cebuano to sit out the rest of the season, which meant he wouldn’t  be defending his MVP title and he won’t be able to join the San Miguel Beermen in their quest to win their sixth Philippine Cup title in the 45th season of the PBA.

But because of the Coronavirus pandemic, the PBA season was put on hold indefinitely. This meant Fajardo could make a return this season and have another great run to win his seventh-consecutive MVP plum. This could also mean that he has a chance to help San Miguel bag another title or two this season.

This means his stock in the GOAT conversation will increase. And with multiple years still ahead of him, it is very likely that he will make a case to be the undisputed GOAT.

At this point of his career, naming him as the GOAT could be premature. It could be seen as an attack to the legendary players who played before him. While it is true that he deserves his spot in that prestigious discussion, he hasn’t even put the final touches on his legacy yet.

Maybe five to six years from now, we can all look at what he has done and discuss again if he is really the GOAT of Philippine basketball.

That statement could be seen as outrageous but in an interview in The Athlete’s Corner podcast, the University of Cebu product admitted that he doesn’t think that he is the GOAT.

“Sa’kin ‘di naman big deal na di ako masama sa convo na ‘yun, Sa’kin ang mga GOAT talaga is yung mga nauna sakin. Sila Papa Mon (Ramon Fernandez), sila Kuya DI (Danny Ildefonson), sila Sir Alvin (Alvin Patrimonio) and marami pa. Mas karapat dapat sila sa title na Greatest of All Time. Salamat na lang ako na nandun ako sa discussion,” he said.