PBA: RHJ, Arvin Tolentino win Best Import, Best Player awards
TNT’s Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and NorthPort’s Arvin Tolentino were named the Best Import and Best Player of the Conference, respectively, ahead of Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net
ANTIPOLO — For their steady and equally impactful performances throughout the tournament, NorthPort’s Arvin Tolentino and TNT’s Rondae Hollis-Jefferson have been feted as the Commissioner’s Cup’s finest on Friday night.
The 29-year-old Tolentino was crowned Best Player of the Conference, the first winner outside the San Miguel power bloc to bag the honor since Christian Standhardinger, who also played for the Batang Pier, did it during the 2019 Governors’ Cup.
READ: PBA: Arvin Tolentino poised to take lead in Best Player race
“It’s surreal. It’s a surreal feeling,” Tolentino said in a chat with reporters. “I’ve only been in the league for five years and then I already got one of the highest awards.”
“It’s like a testament to how I work every day. Actually, like I said before, I have high expectations. I really want to be the best. And to be the best, you need to beat the best.”
Hollis-Jefferson, meanwhile, captured his third-straight Best Import trophy, only second to the late Bobby Ray Parks Jr., the award’s namesake, who won a record seven times.
TNT import Rondae Hollis Jefferson receives his third Best Import award. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
The former NBA starter, who is also a naturalized player for the Jordanian national team, tied Justin Brownlee of Barangay Ginebra and Allen Durham of Meralco with his latest milestone.
Both players were honored just before Game 4 of the TNT-Barangay Ginebra best-of-seven duel at Ynares Center here.
Tolentino, a two-time PBA champion, garnered a total of 1,072 points (454 from stats, 564 from the PBA Press Corps, and 54 from the players) to secure his first-ever BPC, edging out close pal Calvin Oftana of TNT, reigning Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel Beer, and the likes of Converge guard Jordan Heading and NLEX playmaker Robert Bolick Jr.
Hollis-Jefferson, on the other hand, collected 1,280 points (615 stats, 532 from the scribes, and 133 from the players), his total putting him beyond arm’s reach from Tolentino’s teammate Kadeem Jack, the prolific Brownlee, and Rain or Shine workhorse Deon Thompson.
READ: PBA Finals: RHJ eager for atonement after letting Game 2 slip away
Both players played pivotal roles in shaping the identity of their teams this midseason showcase.
Tolentino, through his defensive presence and ability to create his own shot, greased Batang Pier’s rise to the No. 1 seed and a semifinal appearance.
Well-loved by his rivals, coaches, and teammates, Hollis-Jefferson provided TNT leadership and versatility as it booked a return to the Finals. The Tropang Giga, with the versatile import at the tip of the spear, are now two wins away from a second-straight PBA title.
