PBA legend Ramon Fernandez praised June Mar Fajardo’s humility and work ethic, advising the nine-time MVP to stay fit and avoid injuries as he continues his historic run.
Philippine basketball legend Ramon Fernandez firmly believes nothing—except injuries—can derail June Mar Fajardo’s historic run in the PBA.
Fernandez shared his admiration for the San Miguel Beermen superstar after Fajardo clinched his record-extending ninth MVP award during the Leo Awards last October 5. "El Presidente" then urged June Mar to stay fit to keep making history.
“Alam ko na yan, kilala ko na yan. First year, second year college pa lang sa Cebu. Ganyan lang talaga, napakabait na bata,” Fernandez said.
“Walang kaere-ere, walang kayabang-yabang. So I’m not surprised na umabot siya ng ganito, and he works very hard.”
Fernandez revealed that even back during Fajardo’s college days at the University of Cebu, he had already advised the young center to prioritize conditioning.
“Pinagbilin ko lang naman sa kanya was to make sure that he’s in the best of shape, avoid injuries. That was the only factor that I saw that will hinder him from getting all these awards,” he said.
“Isa dun ‘yung weight, control ng weight niya because as you get older, bibigay agad yung tuhod and all that.”
[ALSO READ: Ramon Fernandez believes June Mar Fajardo is bound to win one more PBA MVP award]
Fernandez’s advice carries weight coming from a man who dominated the PBA for two decades, earning four MVP awards and setting all-time league records for points, rebounds, and championships—marks that still stand today.
Ramon Fernandez speaks to the media during the PBA Season 49 Leo Awards. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Like Fernandez, Fajardo has battled through injuries, most notably a complete right tibia fracture in 2020 that snapped his six-year MVP streak.
June Mar has since returned to dominance, winning three straight MVPs from 2023 to 2025, to only strengthen his case as one of the greatest to ever play the game.
[ALSO READ: Mon Fernandez gives take on June Mar Fajardo's struggles with Gilas Pilipinas]
With nine MVPs to his name, Fajardo’s name is now firmly in the conversation for the PBA’s greatest player of all time — a distinction often reserved for Fernandez.
But for “El Presidente,” that debate belongs to the fans.
“Just leave that to the basketball fans to argue [who’s better between me and June Mar]. It’s up to them. They know their basketball,” he said.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.