Legends of the Hardcourt: Top 5 PBA Players of the 2020s (so far)

The PBA in the 2020s has become a battlefield of shifting legacies — a decade where proven superstars fought to extend their dominance while the next generation began carving their names in league history.

Amid all the change, a few names stood tallest, defining excellence in their own ways.

Here are the Top 5 PBA players of the 2020s (so far) — ranked not just by stats, but by impact, consistency, and legacy.

June Mar Fajardo – The Unshakable Giant

Team: San Miguel Beermen
Key Awards:

• 7-time PBA MVP (including back-to-back in 2019 & 2022) 
• Multiple Finals MVPs 
• Consistent All-Defensive Team member 

Even deep into the new decade, June Mar Fajardo continues to define the PBA’s gold standard for dominance. After overcoming a devastating leg injury in 2020, “The Kraken” roared back to life with a vengeance — reclaiming his MVP crown in 2022 and reestablishing San Miguel’s championship reign.

Fajardo’s presence in the paint remains an automatic advantage. Averaging 17–19 points and 12 rebounds per game, he anchors both ends of the floor with the same calm efficiency that has made him the most decorated player in league history. His footwork, touch around the rim, and underrated passing make him not only unstoppable, but also the ultimate system stabilizer.

Even as the PBA grows faster and smaller, June Mar continues to prove that dominance, when paired with discipline, can stand the test of time. He isn’t just the face of San Miguel — he’s the face of an era that still refuses to fade.

Scottie Thompson – The All-Around Engine

Team: Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
Key Awards:

• 2021 PBA MVP 
• Multiple Finals MVPs and Best Player of the Conference honors 
• 6-time PBA Champion (and counting) 

If heart, hustle, and IQ could be quantified, Scottie Thompson would top every statistical chart.
The Barangay Ginebra guard has redefined what it means to be a “complete” player in today’s PBA — blending relentless rebounding, intuitive playmaking, and clutch shot-making into one polished package.

Thompson’s story is built on effort and elevation. From being the team’s spark plug off the bench to its emotional leader and orchestrator, Scottie has mastered every role under Tim Cone’s system. He’s averaged around 12 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists per game in his prime years — numbers that tell only half the story of his value.

Whether he’s crashing the boards against big men, finding open teammates under pressure, or drilling a dagger three in the dying seconds, Thompson embodies the Ginebra spirit.
He doesn’t just win games — he elevates everyone around him.

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ABAI JOINS THE TRIPLE-DOUBLE CLUB

Nine-time league MVP June Mar Fajardo records the FIRST triple-double of his PBA career in San Miguel’s victory over Titan Ultra in the Season 50 Philippine Cup.#PBA50 #PBA50LID pic.twitter.com/nO1nZLzw8d

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) November 12, 2025

CJ Perez – The Scoring Sparkplug

Team: San Miguel Beermen
Key Awards:

• 2-time Best Player of the Conference (2023, 2024) 
• Finals MVP (2024 Commissioner’s Cup) 
• Multiple Mythical First Team selections 

Few players have made as seamless a leap from potential to superstardom as CJ Perez.
Originally the main scorer for struggling teams, Perez has blossomed into a championship-caliber two-way force after joining the powerhouse San Miguel Beermen.

Known for his athleticism and attacking mindset, Perez has evolved beyond being a slasher — he’s now a complete weapon, capable of creating off the dribble, hitting from deep, and defending multiple positions. Averaging 18–22 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, he’s become the heartbeat of SMB’s transition game and a nightmare matchup for any defender.

His 2024 Finals MVP cemented his status as Fajardo’s running mate and potential successor — the future face of the Beermen. If the 2010s belonged to Fajardo, the next stretch might just belong to CJ “Baby Beast” Perez.

RR Pogoy – The Silent Scorer

Team: TNT Tropang Giga
Key Awards:

• Finals MVP (2021 Philippine Cup) 
• Member, Gilas Pilipinas 
• PBA Mythical Team selection 

While others command attention with flair, RR Pogoy has quietly built a legacy of precision, toughness, and dependability. He’s not the loudest player in the room — but when the lights shine brightest, he’s often the one hitting the biggest shots.

A fixture in TNT’s championship core, Pogoy has been instrumental in multiple Finals runs, thanks to his deadly shooting from long range and his underrated defense. Averaging 15–18 points per game, he’s capable of heating up in a blink — dropping 30 or more when TNT’s offense needs a jolt.

His Finals MVP in 2021 stands as a testament to his clutch pedigree, while his Gilas Pilipinas stints have showcased his ability to excel in any system. In a league of flash and flair, Pogoy’s steadiness and professionalism have made him one of the PBA’s most respected players — a silent assassin who always delivers.

Robert Bolick – The Lone Star Leader

Teams: NorthPort Batang Pier / NLEX Road Warriors
Key Highlights:

• PBA scoring leader (2022 season) 
• Multiple Mythical Second Team selections 
• Known for clutch performances and playmaking leadership 

Robert Bolick has never needed a powerhouse roster to prove his worth.
From the moment he entered the league, “Bolicksanity” became synonymous with carrying underdog teams on his back — often against the PBA’s elite.

A gifted scorer and crafty playmaker, Bolick has consistently been among the league leaders in points (20–23 PPG) and assists (6–8 APG), making him one of the most complete guards of his generation. His poise under pressure and late-game fearlessness have earned him the reputation of being a “giant killer” capable of turning games around single-handedly.

Though championships have eluded him so far, Bolick’s individual brilliance and leadership have kept his name among the league’s top-tier stars. With his return from a brief overseas stint, fans can only hope his prime years will come with the success his talent deserves.

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