JUNE MAR SAYS RAMON FERNANDEZ FMVP TROPHY IS ONE FITTING TRIBUTE

JUNE Mar Fajardo said Ramon Fernandez deserved the distinction of the PBA Finals MVP being named after him.

The PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup finals will be the first time that the Ramon Fernandez Trophy will be handed by the PBA Press Corps after it was named for the 19-time PBA champion.

Fernandez never won a Finals MVP as the awarded was handed out for the first time in 1996.

READ: Ramon Fernandez trophy to be handed to PBA Finals MVP

"Dapat lang," said Fajardo during the PBA finals press conference on Monday at the Novotel Manila. "Siya ‘yung barometer sa mga players. Siya ‘yung nilu-look up namin. Deserve niya ‘yun, walang doubt."

The nine-time PBA Season MVP is expected to figure prominently in the race for the Finals MVP, which would be fitting if he does win it.

Fajardo once trained under Fernandez and both are an icon in Cebu basketball. Fajardo later surpassed the four MVPs that Fernandez won over the course of his career. Fernandez also played for San Miguel during the tailend of his career from 1988 to 1994.

But the Cebuano said his focus is not to get the Finals MVP but win a championship. If San Miguel goes on to beat TNT and he does win the Finals MVP, it would be his 12th.

"Championship ang kukunin namin. Bahala na ‘yung sino manalo ng MVP. Goal namin ‘yung championships," said Fajardo, who has been with San Miguel since he was drafted No. 1 in the 2012 draft.

2026-01-19T12:15:07Z