Eyes on the prize

Although winning the newly named Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Press Corps Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) in honor of fellow Cebuano and longtime mentor Ramon Fernandez is a mouthwatering prospect, San Miguel Beer ace June Mar Fajardo remains focused on the big picture.

The Beermen behemoth wants to see his team retain the Season 50 Philippine Cup first before thinking about any individual accolade.

“We’ll take the championship first. Then let’s see who would win it (Ramon Fernandez trophy). But our goal is to win the championship,” the four-time Finals MVP recipient said.

San Miguel has set up a best-of-seven championship rematch against TNT.

Game 1 is still being played at the Ynares Center-Antipolo as of press time.

But of course, to be named as the first recipient of the Ramon Fernandez trophy, to go with a back-to-back all-Filipino championship, will be a sweeter feat.

“Getting that (individual award) is a bonus,” the 6-foot-10 big man said.

The PBAPC named the trophy after the PBA legend to honor his legacy, multiple records and accomplishments, primarily being the league’s winningest player with 19 championships. The Finals MVP branding was formally announced last week.

“Much deserved, much deserved,” Fajardo said of the unique honor given to Fernandez.

“He’s the barometer and the one that we players look up to. There’s no doubt about that.”

Fajardo has won four Finals MVPs, his last was during the 2022 Philippine Cup.

Beermen guard Jericho Cruz bagged the award in the previous tournament.

TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa was the inaugural winner of the coveted award when it was first introduced 30 years ago for his role in Alaska’s triumph in the All-Filipino Cup.