No MVP for short season, only Best Player of the Conference – Manila Bulletin

SMART CLARK GIGA CITY: The PBA board of directors has decided not to crown the MVP of the shortened 45th season under a bubble configuration and instead award the Best Player of the Conference award along with other individual honors.

Commissioner Willie Marcial announced the development after the virtual board meeting attended by the team’s 12 governors and Blackwater owner Dioceldo Sy on Thursday afternoon.

This means that San Miguel big man June Mar Fajardo is keeping his streak of six consecutive MVPs alive despite skipping the Philippine Cup due to continued rehabilitation from his knee injury.

The rookie of the year, who will be replaced by the outstanding rookie and the defensive team, were also eliminated.

Marcial said the league will also recognize the most improved player, the rightful recipient of the Samboy Lim Sportsmanship Award and a “special team” (similar to the mythical team) from the all-Filipino tournament that is now in the final.

“We saw the difficulty of the players. Away from the family, get up early to practice and continue playing at night or the next day. We will respond to their achievements, ”said Marcial.

The PBA chief also noted that the board suggested recognizing outstanding players and employees during bubble season.

The ceremony, which Marcial said is different from the annual Leo awards and will be called the “PBA Special Awards Night” due to the historic nature of the bubble, is expected to take place virtually in January.