MON Fernandez paid tribute to Robert Jaworski on the eve of his 78th birthday, saying the former Toyota teammate that most fans perceived was his greatest rival was, in reality, a man that he truly considers a friend.
In a heartfelt post on Facebook on Thursday, Fernandez, a four-time PBA MVP and former PSC commissioner, said some of the best moments in his storied basketball career wouldn't have happened without Jaworski.
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Calling him ‘partner,’ Fernandez recalled their moment in the 1989 PBA All-Star Game where he scored a lay-up off an inbound pass from Jaworski, as well as their time in the Beijing 1990 Asian Games where he was a player and Jaworski was the coach of the Philippine team that bagged a silver medal.
Fernandez and Jaworski turned into great rivals after the controversial disbandment of Toyota. But Thursday's post contained the most personal words that Fernandez bared about his former teammate since.
Fernandez said that he and Jaworski exemplified teamwork that he hopes the current generation of players would also display.
“For many basketball fans, ours was considered the most enduring rivalry in the pro league. But if there is one thing I'd wish our new generation players learned from it, it is the value of teamwork,” Fernandez wrote.
“During our time, kaming mga players, kalaban, kakampi, maski hindi kami nagkakausap-usap, there was already that built-in relationship, especially with Sonny. We were teammates for 10 years at the beginning of our PBA career with Toyota. We knew each other’s attitude. It wasn’t hard to really play with each other or work together as a team.
“It wasn’t really hard to do it, especially for a cause like playing for the national team. In those 10 years with him in Toyota, we won nine championships. I played for him as our team coach in the Asian Games in Beijing.”
“And yes, who would forget that 1989 All Star Games (Veterans vs. RSJ/Rookie-Sophomore-Junior). With the game tied at 130 and time down to 4 seconds, Coach Baby Dalupan, sued for time, devised a play for me and Sonny. Sonny lofted an inbound pass to me at half court and I did the rest...led the Veterans to a 132-130 win over the RSJ Team. Just too many fond memories to share,” said Fernandez.
'Friend and partner'
Fernandez said his career won’t be as colorful without Jaworski as he wished his friend the best of health and happiness on his birthday.
“And today, allow me to honor that great rival, the very person who made my pro league stint truly colorful; to one, at the end of it all, I can call my friend and my partner in my years in Philippine basketball. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SONNY!
“Thank you very much for all those great action in the court! I sincerely pray for your good health, peace and happiness,” Fernandez added.
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