Top picks of 2012 draft clash as SMB’s June Mar Fajardo, and Titan’s Calvin Abueva headline PBA Tuesday’s double-header

Over a decade has passed since June Mar Fajardo and Calvin Abueva entered the PBA as the top two picks of the 2012 Draft, yet their careers continue to define contrasting versions of greatness—one anchored in dominance and stability, the other fueled by chaos and unrelenting energy.

On Wednesday night, the two will share the same floor once again, as San Miguel Beer and Titan Ultra collide in a high-stakes PBA All-Filipino Cup duel at the Ynares Center in Rodriguez, Rizal.

For Fajardo—fondly known as “The Kraken”—this season has been another chapter in his remarkable consistency. The nine-time MVP, already the most decorated player in league history, remains the Beermen’s steadying force inside the paint.

 He’s currently averaging 15 points and nearly 19 rebounds per game, a testament to the dominance that has made him synonymous with San Miguel’s modern dynasty.

Since being drafted first overall in 2012, Fajardo has never worn another uniform. His career has yielded multiple championships, Finals MVPs, and Best Player of the Conference honors, making him the gold standard for sustained excellence in Philippine basketball. 

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June Mar Fajardo to Calvin Abueva: “Buang!” pic.twitter.com/PZLfWwCIyL

— Jonas Terrado (@jonasterradoINQ) July 1, 2018

Despite injuries slowing him down in recent years, his quiet efficiency and leadership continue to anchor the Beermen’s success—now riding a four-game win streak after a rocky 0-2 start.

Abueva, meanwhile, represents the other side of that same 2012 coin. Known as “The Beast,” he entered the league with an unmatched ferocity—crashing the boards, diving for loose balls, and playing with a relentless energy that endeared him to fans and frustrated opponents.

While his journey has taken him through four franchises—Alaska, Phoenix, Magnolia, and now Titan Ultra—Abueva’s impact has remained constant.

 He’s a two-time Best Player of the Conference, a two-way force, and one of the most colorful personalities the league has ever seen. Despite his fiery nature occasionally getting the better of him, Abueva has evolved over time, transforming his intensity into mature leadership.

Now 37, Abueva is still performing at a high level, carrying averages of 22 points and 10 rebounds per game this conference while serving as the emotional compass for a Titan team looking to build an identity under a new banner.

Their individual paths couldn’t be more different—Fajardo’s story is one of calm consistency, while Abueva’s is of fiery reinvention. Yet both have remained relevant, productive, and respected pillars of the PBA’s second decade of the 21st century.

Their reunion on the court is more than just another midseason matchup—it’s a symbolic continuation of a rivalry that started on draft night and has evolved alongside the league itself.

Fajardo and the Beermen, sitting at 4-2, will aim to solidify their climb up the standings and extend their hot streak. Abueva and Titan Ultra, on the other hand, are desperate for a statement win to improve their 2-4 record and keep their playoff hopes alive.

Wednesday’s doubleheader opens at 5:15 p.m., with Terrafirma and Phoenix facing off in a crucial battle for positioning—before the spotlight inevitably shifts to two legends of the 2010s who continue to shape the storylines of 2025.

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