The Best Player of the Conference (BPC) title, which June Mar Fajardo recently received, is more than simply another trophy to hang on the mantle. It’s evidence of leadership, perseverance, and consistent excellence that few in PBA history have ever attained. Fajardo continues to define what peak performance looks like at every stage of his legendary career, making him one of the league’s most powerful forces even as the competition gets fiercer and the games get more heated.

It seems almost insufficient to refer to Fajardo as a perennial star. He has continuously raised his team’s level of play since he first set foot on a PBA court. He is a match-up nightmare for opposing defenses because of his size, athleticism, and pure basketball intelligence. However, Fajardo’s consistency sets him apart from many great players, not only his physical prowess. He executes with a level of excellence that rarely falters, night after night, quarter after quarter, and crunch after crunch. He doesn’t just dazzle in flashes.

That constancy is shown in the most recent BPC award. In a league where speed and perimeter scoring are becoming more and more important, big men frequently find it difficult to remain effective. However, Fajardo has not only survived but also flourished. He’s adjusted. Fajardo’s grasp of time, space, and leverage enables him to find angles, finish through contact, or kick out to open shooters when opponents adjust their defensive strategies, either by fronting him in the post or packing the paint with assist defenders. His versatility opens up the floor for his teammates to play and keeps defenses honest.

But it’s more than just points and rebounds that make this milestone so special. It has to do with influence. Just by appearing on the court, Fajardo changes the game plans of his opponents. When he posts up, teams alter their defensive strategy. When he crashes the boards, they modify their boxing out strategy. Because they are aware that his presence necessitates attention on both ends, they reconsider their positioning throughout the transition. It is uncommon to have such a multifaceted effect, which is one of the main reasons why winning Best Player of the Conference feels earned rather than ceremonial.

Veteran poise is also quite important. Playoff basketball requires more than just physical prowess; it also requires poise under duress, accurate decision-making when the clock is running out, and dependability when errors could cost titles. Every minute Fajardo performs, he exudes that composed, experienced presence. His team greatly benefits from his ability to remain composed and carry out plans without panicking as possessions tighten and defenses stiffen.

Another important aspect of this tale is leadership. Character is shown in leadership, but production is reflected in statistics. In both practice and competition, Fajardo sets the bar high. Younger players observe his preparation, his handling of hardship, and his communication when it comes to de-escalating turnovers or stepping up defensive rotations. Leadership is essential in a setting as competitive as the PBA Philippine Cup playoffs. Fajardo delivers that in abundance, subtly improving group performance without requiring continual attention or declaration.

The fact that this BPC award was given at a time when many players were content with their prior achievements adds to its significance. Rather, Fajardo keeps trying to get better, hone his techniques, and modify his style of play. He challenges himself both mentally and physically, which shows how much he loves to compete and do it well. For supporters, it serves as a reminder that greatness is about maintaining that level over time, doing it with humility and hunger, rather than about hitting the top once.

His journey to receive this BPC award also emphasizes a profoundly motivating point: longevity is important. Few athletes maintain their top performance over time as team dynamics, coaching changes, and league styles change, yet many athletes shine for years. Fajardo’s ability to maintain his position as a key player in the midst of all of that shows persistence and adaptability in addition to competence. It demonstrates that excellence is about mindset rather than just skill; it’s about accepting every obstacle, every change, every altered defensive strategy, and yet finding ways to contribute at the top level.