Alaska Aces forward Calvin Abueva was awarded the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Best Player of the Conference distinction on Friday night, shortly before the start of Game Four of the conference finals between Rain or Shine and Alaska.
Abueva bested an impressive list of candidates which included Barangay Ginebra big Greg Slaughter, reigning two-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo, Globalport’s Terrence Romeo, and Tropang TNT guard Jayson Castro.
The energetic Aces forward has conference averages of 17.2 PPG, 7.6 RPG, and 2.8 APG through Game One of the Finals.
Meralco reinforcement Arinze Onuaku, meanwhile, copped the Best Import of the Conference award.
Onuaku averaged 18.7 PPG and 17.5 RPG, providing the Bolts with invaluable interior presence throughout the conference and leading them to the semi-finals.
Onuaku edged Alaska’s Rob Dozier and Rain or Shine’s Pierre Henderson-Niles for the award.
San Miguel’s Tyler Wilkerson, who led the Best Import race for most of the elimination round and playoffs, wasn’t part of the list of candidates, as he was replaced by AZ Reid during the semi-finals.
