Who Will Be Crowned the PBA Finals MVP This Season?

As I sit here analyzing the PBA finals matchup, I can't help but reflect on that powerful quote from one of the coaches earlier this season: "We're still searching for many things, we still want many things, but we're so happy with where we are now because we can see where we're headed and what more we can achieve." This sentiment perfectly captures the journey of every championship contender, and it's particularly relevant when discussing this season's potential Finals MVP candidates. Having followed the PBA for over fifteen years, I've witnessed numerous players transform from promising talents to championship legends, and this season's finals present one of the most intriguing MVP races I've seen in recent memory.

The conversation inevitably begins with June Mar Fajardo, the San Miguel Beerman who's already collected six MVP awards throughout his career. At 6'10" and 32 years old, Fajardo remains the most dominant big man in the league, averaging 18.7 points and 13.2 rebounds during the elimination round. What makes him special isn't just his statistics—it's his ability to elevate his game when it matters most. I remember watching him during the 2019 Commissioner's Cup finals when he dropped 42 points against TNT, completely controlling the paint despite double teams. His footwork for a man his size is simply extraordinary, and he's developed a reliable mid-range jumper that makes him nearly impossible to defend. However, I've noticed he's been dealing with a nagging knee issue that limited his minutes in the semifinals, which could impact his performance in a long series.

Then there's Scottie Thompson from Ginebra, last season's MVP and arguably the most versatile guard in the league. Thompson averaged a triple-double in the semifinals with 14.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 10.2 assists—numbers we haven't seen since the legendary Johnny Abarrientos in the late 90s. What impresses me most about Thompson isn't just his statistical production but his basketball IQ. He has this uncanny ability to read passing lanes and make crucial defensive stops while simultaneously orchestrating the offense. I've had the privilege of speaking with coaches who've worked with him, and they consistently mention his work ethic—often staying after practice for extra shooting drills even after grueling two-hour sessions. His leadership qualities are exactly what that opening quote embodies—constantly striving for improvement while appreciating the current position.

We can't discuss MVP candidates without mentioning Mikey Williams from TNT Tropang Giga. The scoring guard put up 25.8 points per game during the elimination round, including a spectacular 46-point outburst against Magnolia in January. Williams represents the modern PBA guard—explosive, confident from beyond the arc, and capable of taking over games single-handedly. I've tracked his shooting percentages throughout the conference, and his 42% from three-point territory in high-pressure situations is remarkable. However, my concern with Williams has always been his consistency in defensive rotations. In their semifinal series against Meralco, opponents shot 48% when he was the primary defender—a statistic that could prove costly in a tight finals matchup.

What makes this Finals MVP race particularly fascinating is how these players embody different aspects of that coach's philosophy. Fajardo represents the satisfaction with current position—a veteran who has mastered his craft and understands exactly what his team needs. Thompson exemplifies the continuous search for improvement—a player who adds new elements to his game each season. Williams personifies the vision of what can be achieved—the explosive talent who can redefine his team's ceiling. Having covered numerous finals series, I've found that the MVP often goes not necessarily to the best statistical performer, but to the player who most significantly impacts the narrative of the series.

My personal prediction? I'm leaning toward Scottie Thompson, provided Ginebra makes the finals. His all-around game and leadership intangibles give him the edge in my assessment. I recall watching him during last year's finals against Meralco, where he essentially willed his team to victory with crucial rebounds and defensive stops that don't always show up in the stat sheet. The advanced metrics support this too—his player efficiency rating of 28.7 leads all contenders, and his net rating of +15.3 means his team performs significantly better when he's on the court. These numbers align with what I've observed throughout my career covering the league—the most valuable players are those who make their teammates better, not just those who pile up individual statistics.

Of course, basketball remains beautifully unpredictable. We could see an unexpected candidate emerge—perhaps Christian Standhardinger, who's having a career year with 16.9 points and 9.8 rebounds, or even a dark horse like Robert Bolick if North Port makes an unlikely finals appearance. That's what makes this discussion so compelling. The beauty of the PBA finals lies in these narratives—the established stars defending their legacy, the rising talents seeking their breakthrough, and the role players who occasionally steal the spotlight. As that coach wisely noted, it's about the journey as much as the destination, and this season's Finals MVP will be the player who best navigates that path between current satisfaction and future aspirations while delivering when the lights shine brightest.