Just like anybody else, Negrense center Reynel Hugnatan of Meralco Bolts was also surprised after his name was mentioned as one of the candidates for the Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) Most Improved Player (MIP) award.
The 42-year-old Hugnatan said he was not expecting the news at this late stage of his professional basketball career.
“It took me by surprise because I wasn’t even thinking about it. If it were up to me I’d give the award to the younger players but I’m grateful to be nominated and I thank the people who’ll vote for me,” Hugnatan said in an interview with Sports 5.
Hugnatan’s inclusion, however, has a basis for he averaged 12.00 points, 4.33 rebounds, 2.33 assists, 0.33 blocks, and 0.44 steals in the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup after tallying 6.5 points and 5.2 rebounds averages in the 2019 season.
“During the pandemic before the season, coach Norman (Black) reminded us that we needed to be in great condition,” the Bacolod City-native center said. “When the bubble started, coach Norman gave me more playing time, which I wasn’t expecting.”
“But I was ready for it. I’m always physically prepared, no matter if I get playing time or not, so I’m thankful to coach Norman for trusting me. There was an opportunity and I grabbed it. Even inside the bubble, I did my best to stay fit,” he added.
“At this point of my career, I don’t mind how many minutes I get. Whatever chance coach gives me, I’ll try my best to help the team and my teammates. I just want my team to win,” he said.
Hugnatan has won three PBA championships in his long career with Coca-Cola and Alaska Aces, but individual awards always eluded him, quite possibly because he wasn’t really interested.
“If I’ll win the MIP, it’ll be a bonus for me. In my entire career, I’ve never won an individual award. The only accolade I received was when I got to 5,000 points,” Hugnatan said.
Apart from Hugnatan, other candidates for the MIP award are fellow Negrenses Justin Chua of Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters and Raul Soyud of NLEX Road Warriors, Jason Perkins of Fuel Masters, Javee Mocon of Rain or Shine, Raul Soyud of NLEX, and Prince Caperal of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel./PN
