UMVA has learned that RJ Abarrientos of Barangay Ginebra is emerging as the top contender for the Best Player of the Conference (BPC) award in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.
With a strong finish in the semifinals, Abarrientos has positioned himself as the frontrunner, boasting 37.2 statistical points (SPs) and consistently delivering impressive performances for Ginebra.
He faces stiff competition from Robert Bolick of NLEX, who leads the statistical derby with 38.9 SPs, as well as June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel (38.6 SPs), Ricci Rivero of Phoenix (33.6 SPs), and Jerrick Ahanmisi, formerly of Terrafirma (32.8 SPs).
However, Abarrientos’ rivals may be at a disadvantage, as their teams failed to advance as far in the playoffs; Bolick’s NLEX was eliminated in the semifinals, while Fajardo and Rivero’s teams were knocked out in the quarterfinals, and Ahanmisi’s team missed the playoffs entirely.
The BPC award will not be determined solely by statistics; votes from fellow players and the media will also be taken into account, adding an extra layer of complexity to the competition.
Meanwhile, Abarrientos’ teammate Justin Brownlee is poised to claim the Best Import award, his fourth overall, with an impressive 50.5 SPs, outpacing his closest competitors.
The early frontrunner, Bol Bol of TNT, became ineligible due to injury, paving the way for Brownlee to take the lead ahead of Chris McCullough (49.3 SPs), Jaylen Johnson (47.2 SPs), and Patrick Gardner (44.7 SPs).
