Patriot Johnson adjudged best import in ABL

MANILA, Philippines - AirAsia Philippine Patriots’ Anthony Johnson was adjudged Best Import of the third AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League while the Indonesia Warriors scooped two individual plums via reinforcement Steven Thomas (Defensive Player of the Year) and coach Todd Purves (Coach of the Year).

Johnson, who led the Patriots to a semifinal appearance this season, beat Westports Malaysia Dragons’ Tiras Wade and Saigon Heat’s Jonathan Jones in the voting by the eight coaches for the plum.

“There were a lot of good players in the ABL this year so it could have easily been someone else. So to me, this is a blessing,” said Johnson, the league’s No. 2 scorer with a 23.7 point average.

“This award will give me the motivation to keep working hard every time I step out on the court,” added Johnson, thanking his Patriots teammates and coaches for helping bring out the best in him.

Johnson led the Patriots to a 16-5 record in the elims for the No. 2 seed in the semifinals but slowed down by foot injury in the playoffs, Johnson and Co. bowed to the Warriors, 2-0, to crash out of the finals picture.

Thomas, the league’s top rebounder with an average of 14.67, bested Patriots’ Nakiea Miller and JobStreet.com Singapore Slingers’ Louis Graham for the accolade.

He said he takes pride on his defense and seeks to put this to good use as the Warriors battle San Miguel Beermen for the title on Saturday at the Ynares Sports Arena.

“We have a bigger task on Saturday. We know it’s going to be tough playing on the road against San Miguel Beermen. But we are excited and ready to play,” said Thomas.

Warriors’ head tactician Purves earlier earned the nod of his peers for the coaching accolade, getting props for turning the Warriors’ fate around after a 1-3 start and making key personnel additions in Evan Brock and Stanley Pringle in time for the playoffs.

“Well, to be honest I have never really thought about any personal awards as we just have a team concept. With all the good coaches in the ABL, I am truly suprised. I am more than humbled by the respect of my peers,” said Purves.