Hugnatan could become oldest PBA Most Improved Player awardee

Meralco’s Reynel Hugnatan. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines — Even at an advanced age, Reynel Hugnatan remained a key contributor for Meralco in the PBA bubble.

At 43 years old, Hugnatan was a big reason for the Bolts’ breakthrough semifinals stint in the Philippine Cup.

And his inspired performance could lead him to rewrite the PBA record books later this month.

Hugnatan is among the candidates for the Most Improved Award and if he wins, the crafty veteran will become the oldest in the league to achieve the feat, as per the PBA website.

The league will hold a virtual PBA Awards Night on Jan. 17.

The PBA started giving out the award in 1983 with Terry Saldana the first-ever recipient.

Dante Gonzalgo and KG Canaleta were the oldest win the plum at 31.

Hugnatan has a strong case for the award after averaging 12 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in his 17th PBA season.

But Hugnatan is up against worthy candidates as well in Phoenix’s Justin Chua and Jason Perkins, Barangay Ginebra’s Prince Caperal, Rain or Shine’s Javee Mocon and NLEX’s Raul Soyud.