Best Import award surprises J3
Johnathan Williams never expected to be named Best Import of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup so when Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin phoned last Friday to break the news, he couldn’t believe it at first.
Williams, 28, led the Super LPG Fuel Masters to the semis where they snatched a win from top-seed Magnolia before bowing out in four games. The award caught PBA fans by surprise as the expectation was either Magnolia’s Tyler Bey or San Miguel Beer’s Bennie Boatwright would take it since they’re both in the Finals. But the choice was decided by statistical points plus votes from media and players.
The four candidates were Williams, Bey, Boatwright and Barangay Ginebra’s Tony Bishop. Williams was second in statistical points behind Boatwright but was the landslide pick by the media, garnering 424 votes to second-placer Bey’s 279. In player votes, Bey was first with 76, Boatwright at 63, Williams at 39 and Bishop at 17. In total points, Williams collected 1,017 while Bey had 908, Boatwright 878 and Bishop 506.
The cut-off for statistical points was the end of the semis. Each candidate received 10 additional points for every win he played in. Turnovers, technicals and fouls were factored in as negatives. The computation also considered average points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks. Statistical points counted for 45 percent, media votes 30 percent and players votes 25 percent in the final tally.
“I wasn’t expecting to win the award,” said Williams in a message from his Houston home. “I was just happy that our team was able to make it to the semis. Wish we could’ve made it to the Finals. I wouldn’t have achieved anything without the help of my teammates and coaching staff. They put me in a position to be successful on and off the court.”
Williams admitted he wasn’t 100 percent during the semis but wouldn’t elaborate as it’s not his style to make excuses. “I was experiencing some knee (issues) due to overuse,” he said. “Right now, I’m just following God’s plan. Whatever He has for me, that’s where I’ll go.” Jarin said he, too, was surprised by the award. “I’m very happy,” he said. “I called J3 right after it was announced. Before he left, I told him to fix his sked for him to play for us again. I’d bring him back in a heartbeat.”