Jan 18, 2021

Caperal sees more work to be done despite MIP award

DESPITE becoming the newest recipient of one of the PBA's major awards, Prince Caperal admitted he still has a lot of work to do to become a better player.

The Barangay Ginebra big man said the Most Improved Player plum bestowed on him Sunday should only inspire him to do even better entering his eight year as a pro.

"It doesn't stop there," he said. "Masaya ako na nakuha ko yung award. Pero work pa rin talaga to push myself to do better."

Caperal, 27, won the award at the expense of a strong cast that included Justin Chua (Phoenix), Raul Soyud (NLEX), Reynel Hugnatan (Meralco), Javee Mocon (Rain or Shine), and Jason Perkins (Phoenix).

He admitted not expecting at bagging the award.

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"Nagulat lang talaga ako. Kaya pagka(announce), sabi ko. 'seryoso ba talaga,'" he said in recalling the moment his name was called as winner of the award.

"Pero lahat naman ng nominated para sa award ay deserving din talaga, kaya happy ako na ako ang napili."

Going to the bubble season, Caperal said all he was thinking about was how to help the Kings soften the blow of big man Greg Slaughter's sudden exit.

"Ginawa ko yung trabaho ko. Kaya nag-ready ako nung lockdown, nagworkout talaga ako," he said prior to the restart of the Philippine Cup.

The effort bore fruit as the 6-foot-7 Caperal became an integral part of Barangay Ginebra winning the all-Filipino championship over TnT Tropang Giga. It was the franchise's first Philippine Cup title since 2007.

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"I'm happy naman na maganda yung kinalabasan," he said.

But even after bagging his first major award in the league, Caperal said this is not the time to rest on his laurels.

"Marami pa ring things that I have to improve on," he added. (RG)