Narvasa main guest in PBA press corps annual rites

MANILA, Philippines - New PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa serves as the guest speaker of the PBA Press Corps (PBAPC) as it holds its Annual Awards Night tomorrow at the Century Park Hotel.

The ninth commissioner of Asia’s first pro league, Narvasa took over the position vacated by Chito Salud following a unanimous vote by the board of governors.

A former head coach in the league with stints in Shell and Purefoods, Narvasa also served as president of the Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines (BCAP).

He is also the son of the former chief justice, the late Andres Narvasa.

The formal affair presented by SCBC-8 Entertainment Corp. and Accel starts at 7 p.m.

The commissioner will join the PBAPC in toasting the top achievers of season’s past, including the awarding of the coveted “Baby Dalupan” Coach of the Year to San Miguel Beer mentor Leo Austria.

Under the leadership of the former PBA player, the Beermen went 2-for 3 last season by winning the Philippine Cup and the Governors’ Cup, respectively.

Likewise to be honored is 40th season chairman Pato Gregorio with the “Danny Floro” Executive of the Year award.

Other winners include SMB’s June Mar Fajardo, named Gerry’s Grill-Defensive Player of the Year, Calvin Abueva (Mr. Quality Minutes), Alex Cabagnot (Comeback Player), Paul Lee (Order of Merit), Terrence Romeo (Scoring Champion), and the All-Rookie Team of Stanley Pringle, Chris Banchero, Jericho Cruz, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, and Jake Pascual.