June Mar Fajardo, born on November 17, 1989, in Compostela, Philippines, has become a towering figure in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). As a professional player for the San Miguel Beermen, Fajardo has earned the nickname “The Kraken” due to his extraordinary size, finesse, and dominance against other big men in the league. But his journey to becoming a six-time MVP and one of the greatest players in PBA history is a story of hard work, perseverance, and resilience.
Early Life and Beginnings
Fajardo grew up in Pinamungahan, Cebu, after his family moved from Compostela when he was young. His basketball journey began at the University of Cebu, where he played as a center for the Webmasters in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI). His towering height and impressive skills quickly made him a standout, leading to his selection as the first overall pick in the 2012 PBA Draft by the Petron Blaze Boosters (now known as the San Miguel Beermen).
Rising Star in the PBA
Fajardo’s rookie season in the PBA was marked by his debut in the 2012-13 Philippine Cup, where he showed flashes of his potential despite initial struggles. By the third conference, he had already established himself as a key player, leading Petron to the 2013 PBA Governor’s Cup Finals. Although the team lost in a seven-game series to the San Mig Coffee Mixers, Fajardo’s 20-point, 26-rebound performance in Game 4 signaled the arrival of a future star.
Fajardo’s breakout came in his sophomore year. He significantly improved his game, averaging 16.3 points, 14.9 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game in the 2013-14 PBA Philippine Cup. His performance earned him his first Best Player of the Conference (BPC) award, and he would go on to win many more.
Dominating the League: MVP Streak
From 2014 to 2019, Fajardo made history by winning the PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for six consecutive seasons—a league record. His ability to dominate both ends of the court, particularly with his rebounding and shot-blocking, cemented his reputation as one of the greatest players in PBA history.
Unmatched Resilience
In 2016, Fajardo suffered a knee injury during the Philippine Cup semifinals, but he made a surprising return in Game 5 of the Finals. His presence helped San Miguel pull off one of the greatest comebacks in basketball history, overturning a 0-3 series deficit against Alaska to win the championship. This historic feat, known as the “Beeracle,” was a testament to Fajardo’s resilience and leadership on the court.
The following seasons saw more milestones, including his fourth, fifth, and sixth MVP awards. He became the quickest player to win four MVPs and the only player to do so in four consecutive seasons. Fajardo’s combination of size, skill, and work ethic made him nearly unstoppable, especially in the Philippine Cup, where he consistently led the league in scoring and rebounding.
International Career and Legacy
Fajardo also represented the Philippines on the international stage, playing for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA World Cup and various regional tournaments. Though he initially struggled to adjust to international competition, he eventually found his stride, notably in the 2014 FIBA World Cup, where he played a pivotal role in the Philippines’ victory over Senegal.
His contributions to both his club and the national team have made Fajardo a beloved figure in Philippine basketball. His humility and dedication to improving his game have earned him the admiration of fans and peers alike.
Setback and Return
In 2020, Fajardo faced one of the most significant challenges of his career when he suffered a complete fracture of his right tibia during practice. This injury sidelined him for the entire season and forced him to miss national team duties. Without their star player, San Miguel was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the 2020 Philippine Cup, ending their five-year reign as champions.
Despite this setback, Fajardo remains a cornerstone of the Beermen franchise, and fans eagerly await his full recovery. His impact on the game, both locally and internationally, is undeniable, and his legacy as one of the PBA’s all-time greats is already secured.
Conclusion
June Mar Fajardo’s journey from a small town in Cebu to becoming a PBA legend is a story of perseverance, hard work, and sheer dominance. With six MVP awards, multiple championships, and a lasting legacy in Philippine basketball, Fajardo’s influence extends beyond the court. He continues to inspire the next generation of athletes with his resilience and commitment to excellence, proving that “The Kraken” is more than just a nickname—it’s a symbol of his unstoppable force in the world of basketball.
