Barangay Ginebra’s Prince Caperal. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Prince Caperal has no plans of letting up after winning the PBA’s Most Improved Player award.
Caperal played a crucial role in helping Barangay Ginerba capture its first Philippine Cup championship in 13 years last month.
“It doesn’t stop there. I’m happy I got the ward but I have to keep working and push myself to do better,” he said in Filipino.
The 27-year-old big man admitted he wasn’t expecting to win the award knowing he was up against worthy competition.
“I was just surprised. That’s why when my name was announced, I told myself, ‘Is this really serious?’” he said.
The former Arellano University star edged Phoenix’s Justin Chua and Jason Perkins, NLEX’s Raul Soyud, Meralco’s Reynel Hugnatan and Rain or Shine’s Javee Mocon for the plum.
“Every player who was nominated for the award was deserving to win that’s why I’m happy I was the won chosen for it.”
Caperal averaged 7.8 points, on 43 percent shooting from the field and 42% from three, and 3.9 rebounds in last season’s bubble after scoring just 0.9 points and grabbing 1.7 rebounds per outing in the 2019 Governors’ Cup.
His dramatic improvement helped Ginebra more in dealing with the absence of 7-foot center Greg Slaughter.
“I did my job. I really worked out and kept myself ready during the lockdown.”