Ramon Fernandez elated to have PBA Finals MVP trophy named after him

Ramon Fernandez has given the PBA Press Corps his blessing to have the Finals MVP plum named after him — a tribute to the residing legend whose information have stood the take a look at of time

MANILA, Philippines – Future PBA Finals MVP winners will obtain a trophy that can bear the identify and the likeness of arguably the best participant in league historical past.

Ramon Fernandez has given the PBA Press Corps his blessing to have the Finals MVP plum named after him — a tribute to the residing legend whose information have stood the take a look at of time. 

“To have the PBA Finals MVP trophy bear my identify, particularly on this fiftieth 12 months, the golden anniversary of the Philippine Basketball Affiliation, is one thing I by no means imagined but will perpetually treasure. That is greater than a private recognition. It’s a reminder of a lifetime formed by the league that gave me goal, satisfaction, and a second household,” the 72-year-old Fernandez stated in a press release. 

“The PBA was my battlefield, my classroom, and my residence. It was the place I realized self-discipline, sacrifice, resilience, teamwork, humility, and the that means of management beneath stress. Each championship fought for, each finals sequence endured, each cheer, and each criticism… all of it molded the participant and the person I grew to become. I owe a lot of who I’m at this time to this league.” 

Fernandez, a PBA pioneer, is finest identified for his versatility, finesse, longevity, and successful pedigree, proudly owning the excellence because the participant with most championships in league historical past at 19, together with a uncommon Grand Slam. 

The primary PBA participant to win 4 MVP plums, a feat matched by Alvin Patrimonio and ultimately surpassed by June Mar Fajardo, Fernandez nonetheless ranks No. 1 all time in factors (18,996), whole rebounds (8,652), defensive rebounds (6,435), blocks (1,853), free throws made (3,848), and minutes performed (36,624:30). 

Fernandez additionally has essentially the most Legendary First Staff picks with 13 to go along with three Legendary Second Staff nods. 

All of these achievements have been greater than sufficient for the PBA Press Corps, which marks 30 years because it awarded its first Finals MVP to Alaska star Jojo Lastimosa within the 1996 All-Filipino Cup, to fete Fernandez.

The PBA Press Corps started giving the Finals MVP award two years after Fernandez performed his twentieth and ultimate season in 1994. 

“As future Finals MVPs elevate this trophy, might they keep in mind that greatness isn’t solely measured by statistics or championships however by character, dedication, and love for the sport. If this trophy evokes even one participant to play tougher, lead higher, and honor the league that raised us, then this recognition has discovered its true goal,” Fernandez stated. 

“The PBA gave me a lifetime of reminiscences. To now be perpetually woven into its historical past, on this golden season, is an honor I’ll carry with satisfaction till my final breath.” 

Fernandez shared the popularity together with his teammates and everybody who helped construct the PBA. 

“To the PBA, thanks for the privilege of sporting the jersey, battling on the hardwood, and representing the league right here and overseas. To my teammates, coaches, opponents, and the numerous unsung heroes behind the scenes, this honor belongs to all of us who gave our hearts to the sport,” he stated. 

“And to the followers, then and now, thanks for the love that by no means light. Even after the ultimate buzzer of my enjoying days, I nonetheless really feel your help, your respect, and your perception. That may be a reward no trophy can ever surpass.” – Rappler.com