Who Won the 2019 PBA Finals MVP Award and How They Made History

I still remember the tension in the arena during that final game of the 2019 PBA Governors' Cup - the air thick with anticipation, the roar of the crowd echoing through every corner of the venue. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous championship moments, but what June Mar Fajardo achieved that season was something truly special. When they announced him as the Finals MVP, it wasn't just another award ceremony - it was witnessing history in the making. The big man from Cebu had just secured his sixth PBA Most Valuable Player award earlier that season, and now he was adding another Finals MVP trophy to his collection, cementing his legacy as arguably the greatest player in PBA history.

What many casual observers might not realize is how Fajardo's journey to that 2019 Finals MVP was anything but straightforward. He faced double-teams practically every possession, opponents designed entire defensive schemes specifically to stop him, and yet he still managed to average 22.3 points and 15.7 rebounds throughout the finals series. I recall watching Game 4 particularly closely - San Miguel was struggling to find their rhythm early in the third quarter when Fajardo took over completely. He scored 12 consecutive points during one stretch, completely shifting the momentum. But what impressed me even more than his statistical dominance was how he elevated his teammates' performance. There's this moment that stuck with me - after missing what should have been an easy basket, Fajardo looked toward the bench and his teammates were cheering wildly, encouraging him to keep going. It reminded me of something his teammate once said about the importance of bench support: "It's important for us, especially when we're not playing well on the court, to hear the cheers from my teammates on the bench. It really helps us." That genuine camaraderie was palpable throughout their championship run.

The numbers alone tell an impressive story - Fajardo shot 58% from the field during the finals, grabbed 42 offensive rebounds across the three-game sweep against Magnolia, and played an average of 41 minutes per game despite constant physical attention from defenders. But statistics can't capture the leadership qualities he displayed when the pressure was at its peak. I've always believed that true greatness reveals itself in championship moments, and Fajardo's performance was a masterclass in big-game composure. His ability to read double-teams and make the right pass, his footwork in the post against quicker defenders, his timing on defensive rotations - these are the nuances that separate good players from legendary ones.

What makes Fajardo's 2019 Finals MVP particularly significant in my view is how it represented the culmination of his evolution as a complete basketball player. Early in his career, critics often labeled him as just a traditional back-to-the-basket center in an era moving toward perimeter-oriented big men. Yet here he was, seven years into his PBA career, demonstrating an expanded offensive arsenal that included face-up jumpers and even occasional three-point attempts. More importantly, he had developed into the emotional anchor of the most successful franchise in recent PBA history. I've had the privilege of speaking with several coaches and players off the record, and the consensus is clear - Fajardo's work ethic is almost mythical within basketball circles. His dedication to improving his conditioning, studying game film, and refining his skills during the offseason set the standard for professional athletes in the Philippines.

The historical context of this achievement can't be overstated. Winning the Finals MVP in 2019 placed Fajardo in rarefied air - he joined an exclusive group of players who have won multiple Finals MVP awards, putting him in conversation with legends like Ramon Fernandez and Alvin Patrimonio. But what sets Fajardo apart in my assessment is how he achieved this during what many consider the most competitive era in PBA history. The league had never been deeper with talent, yet Fajardo's San Miguel team completed a rare "three-peat" in the Governors' Cup, largely on the strength of his dominant performances. I'll admit I had my doubts whether any team could maintain that level of excellence in the modern PBA, with its salary cap restrictions and increased parity, but Fajardo's Beermen proved that transcendent talent combined with organizational stability could still overcome these challenges.

Looking back at that championship run, what stands out most vividly in my memory isn't any particular game or statistic, but rather how Fajardo embraced the responsibility of being the franchise player. During crucial moments when the offense would stagnate, everyone in the arena knew the ball was going to Fajardo - and yet opponents still couldn't stop him. That kind of predictable dominance is incredibly rare in professional sports. I remember chatting with fellow journalists during timeouts, all of us shaking our heads in disbelief at some of the moves he executed under pressure. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ created matchup problems that coaches simply had no answer for. While some might argue that other players had more flashy highlights during those finals, Fajardo's consistent excellence on both ends of the floor made him the undeniable choice for MVP honors.

The legacy of that 2019 Finals MVP award extends beyond just individual recognition - it symbolized the continuation of San Miguel's dynasty and Fajardo's place as the cornerstone of that success. In my years covering the PBA, I've seen great players come and go, but what Fajardo accomplished during that particular season represents the pinnacle of individual performance within a team context. His ability to elevate his game when it mattered most, combined with his humility and team-first mentality, created the perfect storm for historic achievement. As the confetti fell and celebrations began, I couldn't help but feel we were witnessing something that would be remembered for generations - not just another championship, but the coronation of a player who had redefined excellence in Philippine basketball.