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Legend Ramon Fernandez, the primary participant to win PBA MVP at the least 4 occasions, advises June Mar Fajardo to remain in form and watch his weight after the San Miguel ace captured the award for a record-extending ninth time
MANILA, Philippines – For legend Ramon Fernandez, solely accidents stand in the way in which of June Mar Fajardo successful a tenth PBA MVP award.
Fernandez suggested Fajardo to remain match and watch his peak after the 6-foot-10 San Miguel ace captured the best particular person honor in Asia’s oldest pay-for-play league for a record-extending ninth time on Sunday, October 5.
“I advised him to make it possible for he’s in the very best of form and that he avoids accidents. That was the one issue that I noticed that may hinder him from getting all these awards — accidents,” stated Fernandez, who was in attendance along with different PBA greats as Fajardo led the distinction roll for the Leo Awards.
Fernandez speaks from expertise.
A PBA pioneer who started his profession within the inaugural season in 1975, “El Presidente” performed for 20 seasons till 1994, ending his illustrious profession because the all-time league chief in factors (18,996), rebounds (8,652), blocks (1,853), and championships received (19) — data that also stand at this time.
He was 35 years outdated when he received a then-record fourth MVP award in 1988, and remained a pressure till his final taking part in years as he earned a First Legendary Staff choice for the thirteenth time — essentially the most in PBA historical past — in 1992.
Fajardo is similar age as Fernandez when he received his final MVP, though the “Kraken” hardly appears like he’s slowing down.
The previous season noticed Fajardo put up career-best numbers in rebounds (15.1) and assists (3.1), and his scoring common of 19.2 factors is his highest because the 2017-18 season.
It was the truth is an damage that held Fajardo again following six consecutive MVP wins from 2014 to 2019, his streak ending in 2021 after he suffered an entire fracture in his proper tibia in 2020.
However Fajardo labored his manner again to his dominant type, reclaiming the MVP award in 2023 and successful two extra in 2024 and 2025.
“The key is maintaining his weight down,” stated Fernandez. “As a result of as you grow old, the extra working and leaping that he does, that may take a toll on his knees.”
GOAT debate
Fernandez stated he’s the least shocked to see Fajardo succeed, having seen the Gilas Pilipinas pillar rework from a teen who barely knew basketball to a star for the College of Cebu.
A 3-time MVP within the Cebu Faculties Athletic Basis Included, Fajardo was drafted first general to the PBA in 2012 and took little time to take the league by storm, successful his first MVP award in simply his second season.
“I’ve recognized him since he was first 12 months or second 12 months in school in Cebu. He’s at all times been like that, a very good child,” stated Fernandez. “He’s by no means been boastful. I’m not shocked that he’s come this far and he works very arduous.”
As Fajardo continues so as to add extra {hardware} to his stacked trophy case, he’s additionally making a stronger case for the title of biggest PBA participant of all time, which Fernandez is broadly regarded for.
However the 73-year-old Fernandez stated the GOAT is for the followers to determine.
“Let’s depart that to the basketball followers to argue and what have you ever. It’s as much as them. They know their basketball,” stated Fernandez. – Rappler.com
