Ginebra stars shine in PBA awards

Stanley Pringle is the best player of the recent PBA bubble. PBA Images (file photo)
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Stanley Pringle headlined what seems like a Ginebra domination of the PBA 45th Season Special Awards by winning the Best Player of the Conference for the Philippine Cup as announced on Sunday night.

Pringle, whose consistent performance during the league bubble in Metro Angeles helped the Barangay capture their first Philippine Cup pennant in 13 years, beat a bevy of deserving finalists that includes TNT Tropang Giga's Ray-Ray Parks and RR Pogoy, Phoenix Fuel Master Matt Wright and Calvin Abueva, and Terrafirma Dyip's CJ Perez for the top prize at stake in the awards night.

Ginebra, meanwhile, got two places in the Elite 5 in Pringle and Japeth Aguilar.

Joining them are Wright, Abueva, and TNT's Poy Erram.

On the other hand, Barangay Ginebra's Prince Caperal pulled off a stunner by winning the Most Improved Player award, while Scottie Thompson took home the Sportsmanship Award.

Meanwhile, Aaron Black became the lowest drafted player to win a top freshman plum by winning the Outstanding Rookie award.

The 18th overall pick of the 2019 regular draft (23rd overall counting the special Gilas Pilipinas Men draft) bested first round selections Roosevelt Adams, Barkley Ebona, Aris Dionisio, and Arvin Tolentino for the top rookie prize.

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