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RAMON Fernandez expressed utmost gratitude in having the PBA Press Corps Finals Most Valuable Player trophy named in his honor.
The league’s first four-time MVP gave his full blessing to the group of reporters regularly covering the PBA beat, who will present the trophy to the best player of the championship series, beginning with the upcoming PBA Philippine Cup Finals.
“To have the PBA Finals MVP trophy bear my name, especially in this 50th year, the Golden Anniversary of the Philippine Basketball Association, is something I never imagined yet will forever treasure,” Fernandez said after the PBA Press Corps’ announcement on Thursday.
“This is more than a personal recognition. It is a reminder of a lifetime shaped by the league that gave me purpose, pride and a second family.
“The PBA was my battlefield, my classroom and my home. It was where I learned discipline, sacrifice, resilience, teamwork, humility and the meaning of leadership under pressure. Every championship fought for, every Finals series endured, every cheer and every criticism…all of it molded the player and the man I became. I owe so much of who I am today to this league.”
The PBAPC decided to name the trophy after Fernandez for his multiple records and accomplishments, primarily being the PBA’s winningest player with 19 championships.
The Finals MVP was first awarded in the 1996 season, with Jojo Lastimosa being the first winner for his role in Alaska’s triumph in the All-Filipino Cup.
The most recent winner was San Miguel Beer’s Jericho Cruz in last season’s Philippine Cup Finals. His teammate June Mar Fajardo, Danny Seigle, LA Tenorio and James Yap are tied for most Finals MVPs with four apiece.
“As future Finals MVPs lift this trophy, may they remember that greatness is not only measured by statistics or championships but by character, commitment and love for the game,” said Fernandez.
“If this trophy inspires even one player to play harder, lead better and honor the league that raised us, then this recognition has found its true purpose.”
Fernandez is considered one of the greatest and most popular players the PBA has ever produced, and owns league record for most points (18,996), rebounds (8,652), defensive rebounds (6,435), blocks (1,853), free throws made (3,848) and minutes played (36,624).
He was also part of some of the legendary PBA teams, from the fabled Toyota franchise with nine championships to San Miguel’s Grand Slam run in 1989.
“To the PBA, thank you for the privilege of wearing the jersey, battling on the hardwood and representing the league here and abroad. To my teammates, coaches, opponents and the many unsung heroes behind the scenes, this honor belongs to all of us who gave our hearts to the game,” he said.
“And to the fans, then and now, thank you for the love that never faded. Even after the final buzzer of my playing days, I still feel your support, your respect and your belief. That is a gift no trophy can ever surpass.”