Stanley Pringle bagged his first-ever Best Player of the Conference award after a sterling performance in the 2020 Philippine Cup inside the PBA bubble in Clark, Pampanga.
The 33-year old Fil-Am, who spent his first 5 seasons in the league with the NorthPort Batang Pier, placed sixth in the statistical points race but his consistent play during the Gin Kings’ successful title run was enough to convince the voters composed of the media, players and the PBA Commissioner’s Office of his worthiness for the top individual award of the compressed season.
“I always believe that you shouldn’t really look at your stats unless it’s turnovers or maybe field goal percentage,” said Pringle in an interview shortly after being proclaimed as the winner during last Sunday’s PBA Awards Night.
“But like I said, I ain’t really looking at my stats, I’m here to help the team win,” he added.
Pringle emerged as the crowd darlings’ most consistent performer during the ‘bubble season’ after the 2015 PBA Rookie of the Year submitted averages of 18.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.0 steal on the way to leading the Gin Kings to their first All-Filipino title in 13 years.
After winning the highest award of his career, Pringle was quick to share the honor with his teammates.
“As far as awards, your teammates are going to put you in a position to win, so it’s just as much as their award as yours,” he stressed.
“So shout out to all my teammates. That’s it, it’s their award, too.”
Pringle is now the 7th Brgy. Ginebra player to claim the prestigious award after Marlou Aquino (1996 Governors’ Cup), Eric Menk (2004 Fiesta Conference and 2004-05 Philippine Cup), Mark Caguioa (2006-07 Philippine Cup, 2012 Commissioner’s Cup and 2012 Governors’ Cup), Jayjay Helterbrand (2008 and 2009 Fiesta Conference), LA Tenorio (2013 Commissioner’s Cup) and Greg Slaughter (2017 Governors’ Cup).
