PBA Bubble Season Awards Reaction

Once again, hats off to the PBA and everyone who was involved in bringing back the league during the pandemic to help inspire and really give fans a sense of normalcy and outlet. They are all MVPs in our hearts.

That being said, here's our take on the Special Awardees who were recognized by the league in yesterday's online awarding:

Outstanding Rookie - Aaron Black (Meralco)

The 2nd generation PBA star performed quite well under the tutelage of his father, Meralco head coach Norman Black. While his numbers do not really stand out, he was pretty solid as a small forward/ shooting guard running mate to Meralco's resident go-to-guy Chris Newsome. 

Honestly, felt that Roosevelt Adams, though a bit underwhelming, made a good case for himself this season while playing for TerraFirma (lost in the mix after being forced to play center on numerous occasions). Ginebra's Arvin Tolentino was also pretty solid and IMHO if you're a rookie, and you can somehow crack Coach Tim Cone's starting five for whatever reason and not look like a tool, you should instantly be recognized for it. 

Sportsmanship Award - Scottie Thompson (Ginebra)

I love the way Thompson plays basketball. He's a Calvin Abueva clone, minus the theatrics and scoring punch. Plus, it's quite difficult to keep your composure when you're the smallest rebounder on the court, getting hit and pushed by bigger guys-- and also, not showing off or flashing a grin. Thompson plays the game the right way, with lots of effort and hustle, and hopefully, enough to become Ginebra's lead guard once veteran L.A. Tenorio hangs it up. 

Most Improved Player - Prince Caperal (Ginebra)

I'll be honest here- my vote goes to Justin Chua of Phoenix and his near double-double stat line and also improved shot-blocking skills. But Caperal did things that people thought he couldn't do-- which was to fill Greg Slaughter's giant-sized shoes. He also helped space out Ginebra's offense enough for Stanley Pringle to have more operating room to drive into the lane.

Caperal's showing in the Playoffs probably helped boost his stock over Chua as well, as Chua struggled vs TNT's athletic bigs while Caperal literally threw his elbows around like a G. Still, kudos to both players and to Caperal who, hopefully, continues to flourish as Ginebra's starting big man.

Elite 5 - Stanley Pringle (Ginebra), Japeth Aguilar (Ginebra), Calvin Abueva (Phoenix), Matthew Wright (Phoenix), Poy Erram (TNT)

Okay. Four of the five guys on this list are well-deserved. I can't argue against Erram, who helped stabilize TNT's interior defense in the Bubble. BUT, if we're talking between Erram and a guy like Jason Perkins or Justin Chua... well... I'm still not entirely sold.

BUT, credit where it's due, as mentioned Erram is TNT's anchor on defense and he delivered for the most part. Pringle and Aguilar were simply unstoppable as Ginebra's new 1-2 option. Wright carried Phoenix in the Bubble before Abueva returned and did his thing like he always does. Credit to Wright for putting up a great Bubble performance-- previously he would play great for 2-3 games, only to falter the next 2-3 games. This time, he really delivered and carried the team together with Perkins and Chua.

Hi Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. Can someone tell me what his official position is again-- guard or small forward? Thought he was a Small Forward. Was listed in the Guard list with RR Pogoy. Ruined their chances IMHO.

Best Player of the Conference - Stanley Pringle (Ginebra)

I see no lies here. This is the Bubble version of the annual Most Valuable Player award. And while Parks, Jr. stuffed the stat sheet-- there are other intangibles in selecting the MVP in every league. It's not like Parks, Jr. was putting up astronomical numbers that Pringle couldn't do. So in that case, they're really tied.

The difference, IMHO, is the intangibles. How you represent your team, the league, how you carry yourself. How you carry your team in games-- those are things that have helped other players win MVPs not just in the PBA but also in the NBA. LeBron James had better numbers in Miami the year Derrick Rose won, but intangibles came into play- media relations, votes, owners, boards, investors, etc.

Pringle, all throughout the Bubble, played (and was featured on the offense) much like a super import does. Delivered when it mattered. And well, when was the last time you saw anyone in the PBA stop Pringle after his drive hop-step move to the basket? 

Matik and one.

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