FOR Sean Anthony, it was the fulfillment of a long-time dream.
The NorthPort forward takes pride in him becoming part of the PBA All-Defensive Team and most especially, being named as the 2019 Defensive Player of the Season.
Anthony admitted not being skilled and athletic like his contemporaries when he came into the league a decade ago.
And so he thought of focusing on one aspect of his game which can be immensely improved.
"Since my rookie year I have always took pride in my defense," he said "So it's an honor to be named Defensive Player of the Year."
Sponsored content: It was through defense that Anthony was able to earn his playing minutes and managed to stay in a league that has a rapid turnover of talent the past few years.
"I couldn't dribble or shoot when I got into the league, so I focused on my defense and hustle," stressed the 34-year-old Fil-Canadian.
"So I thought if I could shut down the other team's best player and do the little things, I could earn my minutes that way."
Anthony, a first round pick of Air21 in the 2010 draft, was joined in the 2019 All-Defensive team by six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel and teammate Chris Ross, Barangay Ginebra's Japeth Aguilar, and Rookie of the Year CJ Perez of Columbian Dyip.
In what had been a special season for him individually, the NorthPort stalwart likewise made it to the Mythical First Team for the first time together with Fajardo, Perez, TnT Katropa's Jason Castro, and his NorthPort teammate Christian Standhardinger.
Sponsored content: But for him, the Defensive Player of the Year served as his crowning glory,
"Entering Year 10 of my career, it's amazing to be recognized for something that I built my career on defense and hard work," Anthony said.
