Fajardo says Fernandez a standard for all players
June Mar Fajardo is the consensus choice to take on the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) mantle soon.
For now, however, he made it clear who everyone looks up to.
“He’s the standard for us players,” Fajardo said, referring to PBA legend Ramon Fernandez, whose name will now be attached to the Finals MVP trophy beginning with the Philippine Cup championship series that starts on Wednesday.
Fajardo and the San Miguel Beermen will defend their title against the TNT Tropang 5G and talk descended on the Fernandez trophy that will be awarded to the most significant contributor of the champion squad.
Fajardo was among those who spoke about the trophy now bearing the name of the four-time MVP who owns the record for the most number of championships.
“Dapat lang (it has to be),” Fajardo said.
Rey Nambatac, who won the award when TNT won the Commissioner’s Cup last season, agreed.
“Of course, I have huge respect for Ramon Fernandez because he deserves it,” said Nambatac. “Everyone can see the impact he brought to the PBA.”
Fajardo, though, isn’t focusing on that trophy or the one that goes with the Best Player of the Conference citation, which the eight-time MVP is very much in contention for.
Bigger trophy
Fajardo is more interested in the bigger trophy.
“Like I’ve been saying, I always think of it as I haven’t won anything. I haven’t won a championship, I haven’t won any awards,” Fajardo said.
“Those thoughts really drive me.”
And winning a 13th BPC award won’t be enough to distract the Beermen’s franchise center.
“Hindi ko iniisip ‘yan (I’m not thinking about that),” said Fajardo.
Fajardo is having another strong all-around conference, averaging 17.4 points, a league-best 15.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.1 blocks per game. He leads the BPC race with 45.4 statistical points.
“In this conference, my thinking is that I hope I win my first championship or award. That’s what drives me.”
A Beermen title will give Fajardo his 12th title, still short of Fernandez’s record 19.
