Top PBA MVP 2023 Contenders: Who Will Claim the Championship Title?

As I sit here watching the latest PBA highlights, I can't help but feel that familiar excitement building up. The 2023 PBA season has been nothing short of spectacular, and the MVP race is heating up in ways that remind me why I fell in love with basketball in the first place. Having covered Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've seen my fair share of MVP battles, but this year feels particularly special. The competition isn't just about individual statistics anymore—it's about which player can truly elevate their team when it matters most.

Let me start with June Mar Fajardo, because honestly, how can you not? The man's a living legend, and at 33 years old, he's still putting up numbers that would make younger players blush. I've watched him develop from a raw talent into arguably the most dominant big man in PBA history. This season, he's averaging 18.7 points and 12.3 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 58% from the field. What really stands out to me though is his basketball IQ—the way he reads double teams and makes those subtle passes that don't always show up in the stat sheets. I remember watching his game against Ginebra last month where he completely took over in the fourth quarter, scoring 15 points in the final eight minutes. That's MVP material right there.

Then there's Scottie Thompson, who brings a different kind of energy to the court. At 29, he's in his absolute prime, and his triple-double potential every single night makes him must-watch television. I've had conversations with coaches who say he's the most versatile guard they've seen since Johnny Abarrientos. This season, he's putting up 14.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 7.1 assists—numbers that barely tell the whole story. What impresses me most about Scottie is his relentless motor. I've seen him play 45 minutes in a double-overtime game and still be the fastest player on the court during the final possession. His impact goes beyond statistics; it's about the winning plays that don't always make the highlight reels.

The dark horse in this race, in my opinion, is Robert Bolick. Now here's a player who's been absolutely sensational since returning from Japan. At 27, he's showing why many scouts considered him the most skilled scorer in his draft class. I watched him drop 45 points against San Miguel last week, and it wasn't just the scoring that stood out—it was his command of the game, his decision-making in crunch time. He's averaging 22.4 points and 6.3 assists this conference, but what really catches my eye is his improvement in leadership. I've noticed how his teammates respond to him differently this season, trusting him completely in big moments.

Speaking of leadership, that brings me to an interesting parallel with the boxing world. When I read about Manny Pacquiao's recent fight and how he handled the outcome with such grace, it reminded me of what separates good players from true MVPs. See, I've been around championship-level athletes long enough to know that the great ones—the real MVPs—have this unique combination of skill and character. They know how to win with class and lose with dignity. While MP Promotions' top official might have disagreed with the decision in Pacquiao's fight, the way Manny carried himself afterwards is exactly the kind of maturity I look for in MVP candidates. It's not just about putting up numbers—it's about how you carry yourself through victories and defeats.

What fascinates me about this year's PBA MVP race is how these top contenders represent different aspects of basketball excellence. Fajardo embodies consistent dominance, Thompson represents all-around versatility, and Bolick showcases explosive scoring ability. Having analyzed basketball statistics for years, I can tell you that the advanced metrics favor Fajardo slightly—his player efficiency rating of 28.7 leads the league, followed closely by Thompson at 27.9 and Bolick at 26.4. But numbers only tell part of the story. What really matters is impact, and all three have transformed their teams in significant ways.

I remember talking to a veteran coach who told me that the true test of an MVP is how they perform when everyone knows the play is coming their way. That's why I give Fajardo the slight edge—defenses have been designed specifically to stop him for years, and he still finds ways to dominate. But Thompson's ability to affect the game in so many different areas makes this an incredibly close race. Personally, I think Bolick needs one more season at this level to truly enter the conversation, but he's definitely making a strong case.

As we head into the final stretch of the season, I'm keeping a close eye on how these players perform in crucial matchups. The beauty of the PBA is that every game matters, and the MVP race often comes down to those head-to-head battles in the playoffs. From what I've seen this season, any of these three players would be deserving of the award, but if I had to make a prediction right now, I'd give Fajardo the slight advantage based on his sustained excellence and impact on San Miguel's championship aspirations. Whatever happens, we're in for an exciting finish to what has already been a memorable season.