Ginebra wins big in PBA Awards, Aaron Black is top rookie
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MANILA, Philippines — Barangay Ginebra won big in the PBA Awards after four of its players–led by Stanley Pringle–were honored following the Gin Kings’ 2020 PBA Philippine Cup triumph.
Pringle was named Best Player of the Conference while guard Scottie Thompson and forward Prince Caperal were given the Sportsmanship and Most Improved Player awards, respectively, after the shortened season.
Ginebra’s veteran forward Japeth Aguilar, meanwhile, got himself a seat in the Elite Five, which replaced the usual Mythical Five selection, along with Pringle.
TNT center Poy Erram and Phoenix’s duo of Matthew Wright and Calvin Abueva were the other members of the Elite Five.
Meralco freshman Aaron Black, meanwhile, was recognized as the Outstanding Rookie.
Caperal won the award after being an integral part of the Gin Kings’ title run while averaging 7.8 points, on 43.1 percent shooting from the field and 42% from three, and 3.9 rebounds.
His numbers surged from the previous conference, the 2019 Governors’ Cup, wherein he averaged just 0.9 points and 1.7 rebounds.
“I’m ecstatic because this award recognizes the improvements in my game,” said Caperal in Filipino. “I would like to thank the coaching staff, and teammates because I wouldn’t be able to get this award if not for them.”
Caperal edged Phoenix forwards Jason Perkins and Justin Chua, Rain or Shine’s Javee Mocon, Meralco’s Reynel Hugnatan, and NLEX’ Raul Soyud.
Thompson, meanwhile, earned the nod over Abueva, NLEX’s Kevin Alas, Terrafirma’s CJ Perez, and previous winner Gabe Norwood of Rain or Shine.
Norwood was the winner of the award named after PBA great Samboy Lim from 2017 to 2019.
As for Black, who was the 18th overall pick, he made a good account of himself after a strong showing inside the bubble to win the award.
Black averaged 6.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while edging out Terrafirma’s Roosevelt Adams, Alaska’s Barkley Eboña, Magnolia’s Aries Dionisio, and Ginebra’s Arvin Tolentino.
