Kelly Williams’ second wind and Chris Ross’ defensive prowess were all on full display in the last PBA season, which is why their efforts will be noticed in the 24th PBA Press Corps Awards on November 30 at Gloria Maris in Cubao, Quezon City.
The 35-year-old Williams, who suffers a recurring blood disease, will be the recipient of the Bogs Adornado Comeback Player of the Year. The TNT Katropa stalwart bested the Barangay Ginebra’s Greg Slaughter for the plum.
Meanwhile, Ross will bag the Mighty Sports Defensive Player of the Year award, winning over Rain or Shine’s Gabe Norwood, Ginebra’s Japeth Aguilar, Star’s Jio Jalalon, and fellow San Miguel Beermen June Mar Fajardo.
All five cagers are members of the All-Defensive Team.
The six-foot-one point guard will also receive a special plaque during the formal affair presented by Cignal TV for being the PBAPC’s Finals Most Valuable Player during the Philippine Cup, which the Beermen won.
Also to be presented with the same recognition as Ross are Commissioner’s Cup Finals MVP Alex Cabagnot, and Governors Cup counterpart LA Tenorio.
The presentation of the Coach of the Year award serves as the main part of the two-hour program and will be handed out by the family of the late great mentor Virgilio ‘Baby’ Dalupan, in whose memory the award is being honored.
Another major award to be given is the Executive of the Year, named in behalf of the amiable late Crispa team owner Danny Floro.
