John Wilson named MPBL MVP

John Wilson receives his MPBL MVP award. Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas/MPBL

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--John Wilson's brilliant MPBL Lakan Season has been rewarded on Sunday when he was named the Most Valuable Player.

The 34-year-old former Jose Rizal University star and PBA veteran played vintage basketball for the entire season, averaging 20.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.3 steals a game.

He set history during the regular season when he became the first player in league history to reach 1,000 points.

He also dropped 44 points, an all time single game scoring record, to lead San Juan to a huge win against Pampanga on Sept. 17, 2019.

"I worked a lot for this award. I spent more time working than with my family. I spend six times a week for training. Deserve ko talaga ito," Wilson said.

Joining him in the All-MPBL First Team are fellow Knight Mike Ayonayon, Davao Occidental's Mark Yee, Pasig's Jeric Teng, and Makati's Jeckster Apinan.

Yee was named the Defensive Player of the Year after posting averages of 11.9 rebounds, 0.8 block, and 0.8 steal a game on top of his 14.96-point average.

Last season's MVP Gab Banal headlines the All-MPBL Second Team, joining Manila's Chris Bitoon and Aris Dionisio, GenSan's Pamboy Raymundo, and Pasay's Dhon Reverente.

Billy Robles was handed the Sportsmanship Award, while Nueva Ecija team owner Bong Cuevas, who had a hand in organizing the MPBL bubble in Subic, was named the Executive of the Year.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno