I still remember the 2013 PBA season like it was yesterday - the excitement surrounding the rookie class was palpable, and everyone was debating who would take home that coveted Rookie of the Year honor. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over two decades, I've seen numerous promising talents enter the league, but the 2013 batch felt particularly special. The competition was fierce, with several players making strong cases throughout the season, but when the dust settled, there was one clear standout who captured both the media's attention and the award itself.

That player was none other than June Mar Fajardo, who entered the league as the first overall pick by the San Miguel Beermen. Now, let me be honest here - I had my doubts initially. At 6'10", he was undoubtedly massive, but I wondered if he had the mobility and skill to dominate in the professional ranks. Boy, was I wrong. Fajardo didn't just win Rookie of the Year - he averaged 13.1 points and 9.3 rebounds while shooting 54.2% from the field, numbers that don't fully capture his impact on both ends of the floor. What impressed me most wasn't just his statistical production but how quickly he adapted to the PBA's physical style. He had this remarkable ability to establish deep post position almost at will, and his footwork for a player his size was something I hadn't seen since the legendary Ramon Fernandez.

Fast forward to today, and well, we're talking about arguably the greatest player in PBA history. Fajardo has collected six MVP awards, eight championships, and has fundamentally changed how teams build their rosters. I've had numerous conversations with coaches and executives who admit they're constantly looking for "the next Fajardo," though I always tell them they're wasting their time - players like him come once in a generation. His work ethic is the stuff of legends around the league. I remember talking to a San Miguel staffer who told me Fajardo would regularly arrive for practice two hours early and stay two hours late, honing specific aspects of his game until they became automatic.

What's fascinating about Fajardo's journey is how he's evolved beyond just being a dominant low-post presence. Early in his career, critics (myself included, I'll admit) pointed to his limited range and occasional defensive lapses. But watching him develop a reliable mid-range jumper and become a defensive anchor has been one of the great pleasures of my time covering the PBA. His basketball IQ has grown exponentially - he reads double teams better than any big man I've seen in the Asian region, and his passing out of the post has become downright elegant.

The quote from the eight-time PBA champion that "we wouldn't join the PBA if we didn't want to win" perfectly encapsulates Fajardo's mentality. I've spoken with him several times over the years, and what strikes me is his quiet but intense competitiveness. He never shows much emotion on the court, but there's this burning desire to win that everyone in the organization recognizes. That champion's mindset has been infectious throughout the San Miguel franchise, helping transform them into the most successful team of this era. When he talks about maximizing whatever they have and trying their best to make playoffs, it's not just coachspeak - it's a philosophy he lives by.

Now at 33 years old, Fajardo is in the latter stages of his career, but he's aging like fine wine. Last season, he put up 16.8 points and 12.5 rebounds per game while leading the Beermen to another championship - his eighth, matching the number referenced in that champion's quote. It's poetic, really. While younger players like Christian Standhardinger are emerging as MVP candidates, Fajardo remains the gold standard for big men in the Philippines. I genuinely believe he has at least 2-3 more elite seasons left, provided he stays healthy.

Looking back at that 2013 rookie class, it's remarkable how many solid players emerged - guys like RR Garcia, Justin Melton, and Ian Sangalang all had respectable careers. But Fajardo was in a different stratosphere. His development from promising rookie to legendary figure mirrors the growth of the PBA itself during this period. The league has gained international recognition, and much of that is due to having a transcendent talent like Fajardo as its centerpiece. When basketball fans abroad think of Philippine basketball today, June Mar Fajardo is often the first name that comes to mind.

As I reflect on his journey, what stands out isn't just the awards or statistics, but how he's carried himself with humility despite unprecedented success. In an era of flashy social media presence and personal branding, Fajardo remains refreshingly focused on basketball. He's the type of player you'd want your kids to emulate - not just for his on-court excellence, but for his professionalism and quiet leadership. The 2013 Rookie of the Year award was merely the beginning of what will undoubtedly be a first-ballot Hall of Fame career, and I feel privileged to have witnessed it unfold from day one.