BASKETBALL legend Ramon Fernandez expressed his gratitude to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and the media group covering the league’s games after naming the Finals Most Valuable Player award after him, starting with the Season 50 Philippine Cup.
The 72-year-old Fernandez was a pioneer when the PBA was birthed in 1975.
Fernandez, who was born in Maasin, Leyte, went on to become the PBA’s first four-time league Most Valuable Player (MVP).
And by the time he retired after playing 20 seasons, won a total of 19 championships, the most ever for a player, 13 Mythical First Team citations, while holding several league records as well.
“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 in a statement posted at the PBA website.
“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.”
Fernandez, who started his PBA career with Toyota, which became the chief rival of another legendary squad in Crispa, shared that Asia’s first professional league was his “battlefield, classroom and 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,” said Fernandez.
Fernandez played a major role in San Miguel Beer’s grand slam conquest in 1989.
He retired at the end of the 1994 season, en route to holding the most points scored in league history with 18,996 in 1,074 games played.
Jojo Lastimosa, meanwhile, became the first recipient of the Finals MVP during the 1996 season, following his pivotal role in Alaska’s All-Filipino Cup championship.
San Miguel spitfire guard Jericho Cruz won the most recent Finals MVP during last season’s Philippine Cup Finals.
June Mar Fajardo, Danny Seigle, LA Tenorio and James Yap are in an elite circle as they all won four Finals MVPs each.
“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.”