PBAPC fetes top players in Season 46

ARWIND Santos, a 41-year-old star who just discovered the fountain of youth, will lead the finest individuals who will be honored by the PBA Press Corps (PBAPC) today, June 21, during the awarding rites to be held at the Novotel Manila Araneta Center.

Mikey Williams PBA PHOTO

Santos, the oldest player to crack both the Mythical First Team and the All-Defensive Team of the season just passed, will also be the oldest recipient of the PBAPC's Defensive Player of the Year award.

Santos will join a number of awardees, which include former teammate June Mar Fajardo, Allein Maliksi, Mikey Williams, Joshua Munzon, Jamie Malonzo, Calvin Oftana, Leonard Santillan, Ian Sangalang, Robert Bolick and Alfrancis Chua, who will also be feted during the night.

Fajardo, the six-time Most Valuable Player from San Miguel Beer, who was sidelined for a year because of a fractured tibia, will be awarded the Bogs Adornado Comeback Player of the Year.

Maliksi, Meralco's top gunner, has been named Mr. Quality Minutes.

Normally coming off the bench, Maliksi has been a consistent producer for the Bolts' fourth finals stint in the Governors' Cup where he averaged 13.2 points on a steady 41.5 percent shooting from beyond the arc and an 81 percent shooting from the free throw line.

Williams, the sensational incoming sophomore, who led the TNT Tropang Giga to winning the Philippine Cup last season, is the Scoring Champion.

In the Philippine Cup, the former NBA D-League player averaged 18.7 points on a 39.8 percent shooting from beyond the arc, then increased his production to 20.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists and a steal in the import-laden Governors' Cup.

Williams will join Santillan of Rain or Shine, Munzon of Terrafirma, Malonzo of NorthPort and Oftana of NLEX in the All-Rookie Selection.

The 6-foot-2 Williams will also join Sangalang and Bolick in the Order of Merit for being chosen the most number of best player of the games. REY JOBLE