Ramon Fernandez said he is honored to have the PBA Finals MVP Trophy named after him in the same year that the league is celebrating its golden anniversary.
Starting in the ongoing PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup, Finals Most Valuable Players will receive the Ramon Fernandez Trophy.
The PBA Press Corps, which determines the Finals MVP through votes of its members, announced it is naming the trophy after the league great whose legendary career is highlighted by a record 19 championships.
In the statement, the group said that the four-time PBA MVP Fernandez, regarded by many as the Greatest of All Time, is ecstatic upon learning of the honor.
“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 wrote.
"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,” added the league’s all-time leading scorer with 18,996 points.
[ALSO READ: Ramon Fernandez believes June Mar Fajardo is bound to win one more PBA MVP award]
Now 72, Fernandez went on to express his gratitude to the league.
“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,” Fernandez said.
“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.”
[ALSO READ: SMB veteran star Chris Ross shares mentality as he nears end of illustrious PBA career]
Fernandez also leads the league in rebounds (8,652) and blocks (1,853), and is No. 2 in assists (5,220) and steals (1,302).
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.