PBA Press Corp names Chua top defender in bubble

THE Philippine Basketball Association Press Corps (PBAPC) named big man Justine Chua as the Top Bubble D-fender, giving the Phoenix Fuel Master a career-first major individual award.

Chua will be officially bestowed the honor on March 7 during the online PBAPC Awards Night at the TV5 Media Center. The special event is presented by Cignal TV and will be shown over PBA Rush on March 8.

The 6-foot-6 center out of Ateneo emerged as the top shot blocker in the Philippine Cup at the Clark bubble, averaging 1.6 swats per game, giving the Fuel Masters their last line of defense. He also posted averages of 11.7 points and 6.7 rebounds to also strongly contended for the Most Improved Player award.

Chua led the All-bubble D-fenders unit with Northport’s Christian Standhardinger, former teammate now Magnolia’s Calvin Abueva, San Miguel Beer’s Chris Ross and Magnolia’s Mark Barroca.

Chua, 31, was the second of two Fuel Masters who will be honored by the PBAPC after RJ Jazul, who will be hoisting the Mr. Quality Minutes trophy.

Also to be handed out are the outstanding Coach of the Bubble, Mr. Executive, President’s Award and a Special Citation.

The other awardees were CJ Perez (Scoring Champion), All-rookie Team of Aaron Black, Arvin Tolentino, Roosevelt Adams, Barkley Ebona and Renzo Subido, and the Game of the Bubble featuring Barangay Ginebra and Meralco.

Also to be feted are the awardees of the previous season led by 2019 Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan Coach of the year Leo Austria of San Miguel and Danny Floro Executive of the year PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas of TNT Katropa, Presidential Awardee Bulakan Mayor Vergel Meneses, and Defensive Player of the year Sean Anthony of Northport.