Fernandez an easy pick for PBAPC’s top trophy
The PBA Press Corps could not have picked a better legend to name its prized trophy after.
Ramon Fernandez, who is often mentioned as a GOAT (Greatest of All Time) candidate, ended a decorated career with 19 championships—the most by any player in the Philippine Basketball Association.
“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 in a statement after the PBAPC named its Finals MVP award after him.
Key contributor
More than his four league MVP trophies and his top ranking in several career statistical categories, Fernandez takes pride in having won 19 championships and having been a key contributor in each.
“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 Fernandez.
The Ramon Fernandez trophy will make its Finals MVP debut in the ongoing Philippine Cup.
The timing could not have been better either, as the PBAPC marks its 30th year since it first handed out an award for the best player of a PBA title series.
First recipient
Jojo Lastimosa was the first to receive the honor after Alaska’s victory over Purefoods in the 1996 All-Filipino Cup Finals.
Previous winners have each received a plaque from the PBAPC, with June Mar Fajardo, Danny Seigle, LA Tenorio and James Yap tied for most Finals MVPs at four apiece.
Fernandez still holds multiple PBA records, including the most career points with 18,996.
Fernandez won nine titles with Toyota, three for Tanduay and seven at San Miguel Beer, where he was part of the 1989 Grand Slam squad.
