SMART CLARK GIGA CITY--Recognizing the sacrifices of the players inside the bubble, the PBA is eyeing to hand out the MVP and other regular awards for the historic Philippine Cup in Pampanga.
Commissioner Willie Marcial said he will make the formal recommendation to the Board of Governors in their monthly meeting at the end of November.
Besides giving the coveted MVP award, the PBA will present the Rookie of the Year and Most Improved Player plums.
The league will also name the rightful players for the Sportsmanship Award, Mythical Team and All-Defensive Team.
However, there will no Best Player of the Conference winner for the lone tournament in this pandemic-hit season.
"Nakita naman natin 'yung hirap ng mga players dito sa bubble kaya tama lang na magbigay tayo ng awards," said Marcial.
Phoenix Super LPG main man Matthew Wright leads the MVP race with 39.5 SPs built around conference averages of 22.8 points, 6.0 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals.
Wright is closely followed by Terrafirma's CJ Perez (35.7 SPs), teammate Jason Perkins (35.5), TNT's Ray Parks Jr. (35.2) and NorthPort's Christian Standhardinger (34.6).
Terrafirma's top pick Roosevelt Adams paces the contenders for the ROY honors with 20.3 SPs. Behind him are Meralco's Aaron Black (18.7), Magnolia's Aris Dionisio (17.9), Barkley Eboña (17.1) and Ginebra's Arvin Tolentino (14.6).
Phoenix's frontcourt duo of Perkins and Justin Chua along with Ginebra's Prince Caperal are tabbed to contend for the MIP award.
Marcial said the awards will be given during the opening ceremony of the next season which is targeted to start in April 2021.