The PBA Press Corps announced on Thursday the introduction of the Ramon Fernandez Trophy, which will be awarded to the winner of the Finals Most Valuable Player honor.
Beginning with the PBA’s 50th Season Philippine Cup Finals, the Press Corps will present a trophy named in honor of Fernandez. This is in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the league, highlighted by a record 19 championships — the most by any player in PBA history.
Fernandez gave his blessing during a meeting with PBA Press Corps president Vladimir Eduarte of Abante/Tonite and the group’s other officers at the PBA’s 50th Season opener on Oct. 5 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“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. 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,” Fernandez 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. I owe so much of who I am today to this league.”
The four-time PBA Most Valuable Player won nine titles with the fabled Toyota franchise before adding three championships with Tanduay and seven more with San Miguel Beer, highlighted by a historic Grand Slam in 1989.
Fernandez is also the league’s all-time leading scorer with 18,996 points, a record widely regarded as one that may stand the test of time.
“With those 19 championships, who knows how many Finals MVP awards Fernandez could’ve won if such recognition had already been handed out during his time,” Eduarte said. “The Finals MVP trophy in Fernandez’s name is a well-deserved recognition the PBA Press Corps unanimously decided on.”
The introduction of the Ramon Fernandez Trophy also coincides with the Press Corps marking 30 years since it awarded its first Finals MVP honor. That went to Jojo Lastimosa of Alaska in the 1996 All-Filipino Cup — two years after Fernandez completed his 20th and final PBA season with San Miguel.
Previously, Finals MVP recipients received plaques, with winners determined through votes by Press Corps members actively covering the PBA beat.
Beyond being the league’s career scoring leader, Fernandez also remains No. 1 all-time in total rebounds (8,652), defensive rebounds (6,435), shot blocks (1,853), free throws made (3,848), and minutes played (36,624:30). He also ranks second in career assists (5,220), steals (1,302), and games played (1,074).
Fernandez, who also suited up for Beer Hausen and Purefoods, averaged 17.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game over an illustrious 20-season PBA career.
