PBA going online for awards night, draft

Ray-Ray Parks is currently ahead in the Best Player of the Conference race. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--The PBA is set to hold its special awards night and the annual rookie draft in online settings.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic which halted global sports for much of last year including the Tokyo Olympics, the league will not hold physical ceremonies for both events.

The awards night will take place on Jan. 17.

Shying away a bit from the classic Leo Awards, only the Best Player of the Conference for the Philippine Cup and not the season's Most Valuable Player will be handed out as the main individual prize in the special awards night.

A "Special Team" will also be named instead of the Mythical Selection, and an Outstanding Rookie plum will be given instead of the Rookie of the Year.

Three staples in the Leos, the Most Improved Player, All-Defensive Team, and the Samboy Lim Sportsmanship Award, will be handed out in the special awards night.

Meanwhile, the March 14 draft will be done online as well instead of holding it physically at the Robinson's Place Manila atrium regardless of how strict or lenient the quarantine restrictions will be in Metro Manila for the said month.

However, the possibility of holding a physical combine right before draft day remains considering the success of the WNBL's own physical draft combine last month at Victoria Sports in Quezon City.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno