Team-first approach

Finally getting the recognition for his individual brilliance, NorthPort star Sean Anthony hopes a first PBA championship will come next as he enters his 10th year in the league.

Anthony, 34, was named the defensive player of the year (DPOY) by the PBA Press Corps (PBAPC) recently, an award that is coming on the heels of a Mythical First Team selection just last month.

“We’re looking forward to a championship more than anything,” said Anthony, who was the league leader in steals last season with 2.6 per outing.

Having fellow Mythical First Team member Christian Standhardinger with the Batang Pier right at the start of the season should boost Anthony’s chances of reaching that goal this season. Standhardinger was acquired from San Miguel in a trade that saw Mo Tautuaa moving to the Beermen.Northport has been tabbed as one of the dark horses in the Philippine Cup, where San Miguel is gunning for a sixth straight crown.

And it’s even fair to say that the Batang Pier were one of the hardest-hit with the suspension of the conference because of the COVID-19 pandemic, because Standhardinger was one of few remaining elite big man in the field with June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel Beer injured and Barangay Ginebra’s Greg Slaughter taking a sabbatical.

“I think we have a great group, a great team, so I’m looking forward to having another great year,” said Anthony, who is obviously hoping that the health situation in the country takes a turn for the better the soonest so they can get back to playing and entertaining the fans.

Anthony will receive his DPOY award in the 2019 PBA Press Corps Awards Night, which will be held at a later date.He joins an impressive list of players as past recipients, including Chris Ross, Fajardo, Marc Pingris, Chris Jackson, Freddie Abuda and Gabe Norwood.

The other awardees include Terrence Romeo (quality minutes), CJ Perez (scoring champion), Fajardo (Order of Merit), and game of the season (NorthPort versus NLEX).The all-rookie team is made up of (Perez, Robert Bolick, Javee Mocon, Bobby Ray Parks and Abu Tratter); All-interview team (Kiefer Ravena, Standhardinger, Beau Belga, Vic Manuel, Arwind Santos, coach Yeng Guiao) and the D-League Finals most valuable player (Thirdy Ravena—Aspirants Cup and Hesed Gabo—Foundation Cup).

Meanwhile, the PBA has allotted P1 million as seed money for its fundraising drive that will be spent for the personal protective equipment (PPEs) of front-line health care workers in the country.

Commissioner Willie Marcial said the PBA Board approved the release of the amount for the PPEs in the hope that it also encourages companies and individuals to contribute in the donation drive.“This is the PBA’s way of appreciating the sacrifice and efforts of our front-line health care workers,” Marcial said. INQ