JASON Perkins is in line for PBA Rookie of the Year honors this season.
That doesn't concern him too much.
Perkins has become the favorite for top rookie honors with NLEX's Kiefer Ravena out of the running after a doping suspension and San Miguel's Christian Standhardinger and Paul Zamar of Blackwater unable to play the required 70 percent of their team's games to be eligible for the award.
Through 10 games in the Governors Cup, Perkins is averaging 13.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. The former La Salle cager has been consistent numbers throughout the season as he averaged 10.92 points and 7.33 rebounds in the Philippine Cup, and 11.82 points and six rebounds in the Commissioner’s Cup.
Perkins, though, said he isn’t thinking about the award, especially with Phoenix in the thick of the battle for a top four place - and twice-to-beat advantage - in the quarterfinals.
“I sympathize with Kiefer. Kiefer is a good guy. Christian, he will be up there, I follow Christian’s YouTube channel, Jeron. I really don’t have any feelings about that,” Perkins said, referring to being a strong candidate for the Rookie of the Year.
“I’m just focused on the next game,” Perkins said.
That next game will be on Saturday where Phoenix will be battling Blackwater, an important match-up with the Fuel Masters (7-3) and Elite (6-3) in fourth and fifth place, respectively, in the team standings.
“That’s cool (Rookie of the Year), but right now, we are just focusing on Blackwater. I’m putting everything else aside. Just for Blackwater. Team success,” said Perkins.
The Fuel Masters posted a 103-97 win over Rain or Shine after coming back from a 16-point deficit. While the win was a morale-boost, Perkins hopes the team will no longer have to mount a comeback against a tough team like Blackwater.
“It was really important. It was a test for our character especially in the fourth quarter. We can’t be playing like that against Blackwater,” Perkins said.
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