(PBA image)
PBA legend Ramon Fernandez expressed deep gratitude after the PBA Press Corps officially named the league’s Finals Most Valuable Player trophy in his honor, a gesture made even more meaningful as the Philippine Basketball Association celebrates its 50th anniversary.
The league’s first four-time Most Valuable Player gave his full blessing to the PBAPC, the group of journalists covering the PBA beat, which will begin awarding the Ramon Fernandez Finals MVP Trophy starting with the upcoming 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 following the announcement on Thursday.
For Fernandez, the recognition goes far beyond personal acclaim. He described it as a reflection of a lifetime shaped by the league that defined his career and character.
“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,” he said. “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.”
The PBAPC chose to name the trophy after Fernandez in recognition of his unmatched body of work, highlighted by a record 19 championships, the most by any player in league history. Widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential figures the PBA has produced, Fernandez also holds all-time league records in points scored, rebounds, defensive rebounds, blocked shots, free throws made, and minutes played.
The Finals MVP award was first introduced during the 1996 season, with Jojo Lastimosa becoming its inaugural recipient after leading Alaska to the All-Filipino Cup title. Last season, San Miguel Beer guard Jericho Cruz claimed the honor in the Philippine Cup Finals, joining an elite list that includes June Mar Fajardo, Danny Seigle, LA Tenorio, and James Yap, who are tied with four Finals MVP awards each.
As the trophy begins a new chapter under his name, Fernandez hopes it serves as a lasting reminder of what true greatness in the PBA represents.
“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,” he said. “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 was part of several iconic eras in league history, from the storied Toyota franchise that captured nine championships to San Miguel’s historic Grand Slam run in 1989. Yet, he stressed that the honor belongs to everyone who helped build the league through the years.
“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.
He also reserved a special message for the fans who followed his journey then and continue to celebrate it now.
“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.”