Tight race for the PBA Governors' Cup BPC award.

       PBA 37th Season 

The Best Player of the Conference plum will be awarded on Wednesday before game 2 of the PBA Finals between B-MEG Llamados and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. 

These are the top 5 BPC contenders ranked according to average statistical points:

Gary David - Powerade 33.00

Mark Caguioa - Brgy.Ginebra 29.33

Marc Pingris - B-MEG 27.69
James Yap - B-MEG 26.13

Paul Lee - Rain or Shine 26.08

Statistical points comprise 40 percent of the criteria,  media votes for 30 percent, players' votes get 25 percent while the PBA commissioner’s office has a share 5 five percent. 

Gary David known as "El Granada" is leading the race in terms of ave.SPs. He is the best player in the conference stats wise (24.8ppg, 3.9prg, 2.3rpg) but it doesn't guarantee him a win since team standings are also taken into consideration. It is not a secret that superb individual stats should reflect on the team's success. He failed to carry his team in the PBA Playoffs which could be the reason why he will not win the award. That's the bitter reality for Powerade and Gary David fans. 

Meanwhile, Mark Caguioa is the front runner in the Govs' Cup BPC race. Caguioa has the best total SPs (449) among the other four and he played consistent basketball all throughout the conference by averaging 17.9 points per game. The whole PBA community saw how he played warrior basketball despite his eye injury and how he transformed as a Ginebra leader. His team got into the semi finals but failed to enter the finals after losing to the B-MEG Llamados in the knockout game. Critics can capitalize on that failure to enter the finals as a reason for him not being named as BPC.

B-MEG teammates Marc Pingris and 2-time MVP James Yap were not in the top 5 after the eliminations. But since then, these two stars played excellent basketball and gave their team back to back finals appearances. 

Pingris averaged an identical 9points, 9rebounds per game while Yap has 14.6ppg and 4.5rpg. James Yap was not in his usual self this conference, even him would admit that because he definitely played better in the past seasons and conferences. Meanwhile, Marc Pingris continues to do his role which sometimes can't be seen in the stats sheet. He's the best local defender out there, no doubt. But honestly, I don't think that's a BPC-type of performance. He can be the Defensive Player of the Year though. The legit advantage these two players have over David and Caguioa is their finals appearance. 

The last contender in the BPC race is Paul Lee. The rookie sensation from Tondo averaged 14.2ppg and 2.8rpg and 3.4apg. He also led Rain or Shine to the PBA Finals, first time of the franchise. I believe he can contribute more as a scorer if not for the team's system and structure. Coach Yeng Guiao gives equal chances and opportunities to his players. Nevertheless, he still has a shot to win it. But right now, I think he is the sure winner for the Rookie of the Year award.   

The Govs' Cup BPC Award is now in the hands of voters. 

What's your take? All we can do is wait and debate.