by Ernest Hernandez
The PBA will open its new season on January 13 at the Philippine Arena. At the same time, the LEO awards will be presented with Jason Perkins of the Phoenix Fuel Masters as the frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year honors.
Statistically leading the ROY candidates, everything now depends on the result of the media votes.
“I will be surprised if he will not win,” said Phoenix head coach Louie Alas.
Jeron Teng of the Alaska Aces is currently in second place while Kiefer Ravena and Christian Standhardinger, the top two picks of the 2017 PBA Draft have been disqualified since they did not finish all three conferences.
“Almost yung stats niya almost double doon sa second running,” he adds. “Not to discount sa mga sumusunod sa kanya pero sobrang-sobrang trabaho ang ginawa ni Jason at sobra-sobrang stats nakuha niya to win that award.”
Even with the huge statistical advantage, Perkins mind is not bent on winning the award.
Jason Perkins of the Phoenix Fuelmasters (PBA Images)
“I am not thinking about it at all,” said Perkins. “To be honest, I am not the type of guy that wants to think about tomorrow. Right now, what’s on my head is what I’m planning to eat and where I am supposed to go next.”
Perkins helped the Fuel Masters in a semifinal finish in the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup. The two-time UAAP champion averaged 12.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game while shooting 56-percent from the field.
The 26-year-old forward was the 4th overall pick in the 2017 PBA draft. He credits his current success in the league by having a good work ethic and keeping a student’s mentality.
“Just to work hard and keep learning. Ask questions and when someone gives you advice, just take it in and apply it,” said Perkins. “Throughout the season, I asked the guys a lot of questions. They really helped me out. Been trying my best to apply it and good things are coming out.”
Tags: 2017 PBA Draft , Christian Standhardinger , Jason Perkins , Jeron Teng , Kiefer Ravena , Louie Alas , PBA , PBA Draft , Phoenix Fuel Masters , Phoenix Fuelmasters
