Best, brightest in PBA to be feted

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Basketball Association Press Corps (PBAPC) will fete the players and personalities who excelled in the season just passed through the 24th staging of its Annual Awards on Nov. 30 at the Gloria Maris Restaurant at the Gateway Mall in Cubao.

Highlight of the formal gathering is the presentation of the Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan Coach of the Year trophy named after the late mentor considered as one of the brilliant coaches the country ever produced.

Alongside the Coach of the Year honors, also to be distinguished is the Danny Floro Executive of the Year award who’s being named after the amiable former team owner of the fabled Crispa Redmanizers.

Since 1993, the recognition has been given out on a yearly basis by the PBAPC, composed of the men and women representing the country’s daily broadsheets, tabloids, and websites who regularly cover the PBA beat. The awards are also separate from the regular ones handed out by the pro league at season’s end.

Also to be recognized are the other regular fare of the gala presented by Cignal, such as the Defensive Player of the Year, Mr. Quality Minutes, and The “Bogs Adornado” Comeback Player of the Year in honor of the league’s former three-time MVP and Hall of Famer.

Others to be cited are the All-Rookie team, Scoring champion, Order of Merit – given to the one who had the most number of Player of the Week honor given out by the PBAPC – and the All-Interview team, which is now on its second straight year.