PBA great Fernandez says will decline commissioner job if offered

CEBU CITY, Philippines–Ramon Fernandez immediately ended speculation about his availability for the PBA commissioner’s office that lawyer Chito Salud has said he will vacate.

“If it is offered to me, indeed, I will politely decline,” said the legendary four-time PBA MVP. “I have done my share for basketball and I feel like there’s more to life than just basketball.”

The all-time great, arguably the greatest PBA player ever who won a Grand Slam with San Miguel Beer, also told the Inquirer on Monday that he had some advice for June Mar Fajardo, the Beermen’s star of the moment who is struggling in the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup.

“Get to the gym early, leave late,” said Fernandez, who runs a big man’s camp here, where Fajardo trained for about a week during his amateur days.

“He has to add more go-to moves in the post. Kulang pa,” said Fernandez. “I’m surprised he hasn’t gone to his hook shot yet. I know he can hit that shot with both hands.”

Fernandez’ name cropped up as one of the possible replacements for Salud, who announced his retirement as PBA commissioner recently.

While he may be a logical choice after having served the same post with the defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association, Fernandez believes there are other people fit for the job.

“He should be really independent minded and strong willed to impose the right decisions on a board made up of different personalities,” Fernandez said. “Besides, this is a league with two owners having multiple teams so he should be strong enough to make sure no one’s interests go above that of the league.”

Fernandez refused to name names initially, but when pressed, said former national coach and current KIA Motors consultant Joe Lipa would fit the bill.

As for him?

“I enjoy too much strolling around in shorts and shirt to consider uprooting myself from here and handle the day-to-day affairs of the PBA,” Fernandez said.

Wife Karla Kintanar Fernandez agreed: “If he wants the post, I’ll support him. But he lives such a relaxed, stress-free life nowadays that I can’t really see him occupying that office.”

Originally posted: 6:36 PM | Monday, February 16th, 2015

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