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PBA Rookie of the Year 2020 Winner: Complete Guide to Their Historic Season
2025-11-17 13:00
I still remember the buzz surrounding the 2020 PBA season—it felt like the entire basketball community was holding its breath. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous rookies come and go, but the 2020 Rookie of the Year winner delivered something truly special. Their historic season wasn't just about personal accolades; it represented a symbolic moment for Philippine sports during a challenging period. Interestingly, this breakthrough happened while the country was establishing itself as a regional sports hub, having hosted the AVC Challenge Cup in 2019 and the Women's Champions League this year in Pasig City—both events signaling the Philippines' growing stature in Asian volleyball.
What made this rookie's performance so remarkable was how they adapted to unprecedented conditions. The 2020 season faced numerous disruptions, with games sometimes played in empty arenas or with limited attendance. I recall watching their debut game where they scored 28 points with 12 rebounds—statistics that would be impressive for any veteran, let alone a newcomer. Over the season, they maintained an average of 18.7 points per game, a figure that placed them among the top 15 scorers league-wide. Their field goal percentage hovered around 47%, and they demonstrated particular clutch ability in fourth quarters, scoring an average of 6.2 points in final periods when games were on the line. These aren't just numbers to me—they represent a player who thrived under pressure when many experienced athletes were struggling with the unusual circumstances.
The connection between their success and the Philippines' hosting of international volleyball events might not be immediately obvious, but I see a clear parallel. When the country hosted the AVC Challenge Cup in 2019, followed by the Women's Champions League this year in Pasig City, it demonstrated our nation's commitment to sporting excellence across disciplines. This environment of international competition and recognition undoubtedly created a positive spillover effect, raising standards and expectations across Philippine sports. I've always believed that excellence begets excellence, and seeing our country successfully organize these prestigious tournaments likely inspired athletes across different sports, including our remarkable rookie.
What truly set this player apart, in my view, was their basketball IQ—something that statistics can't fully capture. Having analyzed countless games throughout my career, I can confidently say their decision-making was exceptional for a first-year professional. They rarely forced shots, consistently made the right passes, and demonstrated defensive awareness that typically takes years to develop. I particularly remember their performance against the league's defending champions, where they recorded a triple-double—18 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists—becoming only the third rookie in PBA history to achieve this feat. Games like that convinced me we were witnessing the emergence of a future legend rather than just another talented newcomer.
The impact of their rookie season extended beyond individual statistics. Their team improved its win percentage by nearly 35% compared to the previous season, and attendance figures—where permitted—showed a noticeable increase whenever they played. Merchandise sales featuring their jersey number reportedly increased by approximately 62% throughout the season, indicating their significant fan appeal. From my perspective, this commercial impact matters because it demonstrates how a single transformative player can elevate the entire league's profile and economic viability.
Reflecting on their historic season, I'm convinced we witnessed something that will be remembered for generations. The combination of their individual excellence and the broader context of Philippine sports achievements—including successfully hosting prestigious events like the AVC competitions—created a perfect storm of sporting advancement. While statistics provide compelling evidence of their impact, what stays with me is the intangible quality they brought to every game—a combination of humility and confidence that elevated everyone around them. As Philippine sports continues to grow with events like the AVC tournaments, I believe we'll look back at this rookie's 2020 season as a pivotal moment that raised expectations for what young athletes can achieve in our country.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
