It’s a two-way fight between Chot Reyes and Leo Austria for the Baby Dalupan Coach of the Year trophy as the PBA Press Corps holds its annual Awards Night next week at the Novotel Manila.
Reyes and Austria were the two coaches who won championships in Season 49 of the league.
The TNT mentor nearly completed a grand slam for the Tropang 5G, steering the franchise on top of the Governors’ Cup and Commissioner’s Cup, respectively, but fell short in the season-ending Philippine Cup where it settled for a runner-up finish.
Austria was responsible for foiling TNT’s bid for a season sweep as he led San Miguel in regaining the crown considered as the PBA’s crown jewel.
Winner of the award named after the man acknowledged as the ‘Maestro’ of Philippine basketball coaching, will be known come Oct. 13.
Both Reyes and Austria were already past recipients of the coveted plum.
The TNT mentor holds the distinction as the winningest person to win the trophy six times, while Austria was a four-time winner.
Other awards to be presented during the affair being mounted yearly by the group of media men regularly covering the PBA beat are the Danny Floro Executive of the Year and the Defensive Player of the Year.
Also to be awarded are the Bogs Adornado Comeback Player of the Year, Scoring Champion, Mr. Quality Minutes, All-Rookie team, Order of Merit for the most number of Player of the Week winner, and Game of the Season.
Once again, Reyes, Austria are hot candidates for PBAPC Coach of the Year
