Chua named ‘Bubble D-Fender’

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Cup bubble was, indeed, a breakthrough campaign for big man Justin Chua.

The Phoenix stalwart will receive a first major personal career award after being named as the Top Bubble D-Fender by the PBA Press Corps in the previous season.

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

The 6-foot-6 center from Ateneo emerged as the top shot blocker in the Clark bubble, averaging 1.6 per game as the last line of defense for the Fuel Masters. He also posted averages of 11.7 points and 6.7 rebounds as he strongly contended for the PBA Most Improved Player award.

At the same time, Chua leads the All-Bubble D-Fenders unit along with NorthPort’s Christian Standhardinger, Calvin Abueva, formerly of Phoenix but now with Magnolia, San Miguel Beer’s Chris Ross and Mark Barroca of Magnolia.

Chua, 31, is the second Phoenix player to be honored after the historic bubble tournament by the group that covers the PBA beat. RJ Jazul was earlier named Mr. Quality Minutes.

Other awards to be handed out are the Outstanding Coach of the Bubble, Mr. Executive, President’s Award and a special citation.

Awardees already named were CJ Perez (Scoring Champion), the 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 during the affair are the awardees of the previous season led by 2019 Baby Dalupan Coach of the Year Leo Austria of San Miguel and Danny Floro Executive of the Year in PBA chairman Ricky Vargas, Presidential Awardee Vergel Meneses, current mayor of Bulakan, Bulacan and one of the PBA’s 25 Greatest Players, and Defensive Player of the Year Sean Anthony of NorthPort.