PBA names Aaron Black as top rookie, Scottie Thompson gets sportsmanship in Special Awards

Aaron Black of the Meralco Bolts was named as Outstanding Rookie in the PBA Special Awards

Black, son of Meralco head coach Norman Black, proved he is worthy of the title after beating Terrafirma's Roosevelt Adams, Ginebra's Arvin Tolentino, Magnolia's Aris Dionisio, and Alaska's Barkley Eboña.

Black registered an average of 7.18 points and 4.09 rebounds per game at the end of the elimination round in the PBA's 'bubble' season.

An Outstanding Rookie title was given instead of the usual Rookie of the Year since the PBA only played one conference this season.

Barangay Ginebra's Scottie Thompson won the Sportsmanship Award while teammate Prince Caperal was named Most Improved Player.

The league also named its Elite Five team for the season: Stanley Pringle (Barangay Ginebra), Matthew Wright (Phoenix), Japeth Aguilar (Barangay Ginebra), JP Erram (TNT), and Calvin Abueva (Phoenix).

Part of the criteria in choosing the winners of the individual awards are statistical points, votes from fellow players, media personnel, and the PBA office. — LA, GMA News