PHILADELPHIA — Jalen Brunson continues to collect accolades in hostile territory. The New York Knicks guard was named Professional Athlete of the Year by the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association on Friday, hours before his team faced the 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena for their second meeting of the young season.
A South Jersey native who played collegiately at Villanova, Brunson grew up rooting for Philadelphia teams, particularly the Eagles. Yet he now captains one of the city’s fiercest rivals — a Knicks squad that has dominated the 76ers in recent seasons, including a second-round playoff sweep last year on the way to a championship. The honor is certain to rankle local fans.
“What Jalen Brunson accomplished this past year has been nothing short of remarkable,” PSWA president Mike Shute said in the announcement. “His skill, his leadership and his connection to the Philadelphia basketball community all make him a deserving recipient of this honor. He plays his best basketball when the stakes are the highest and has led his teams to championships at every level.”
Brunson’s ties to the Philadelphia basketball community run deep. For now, however, that connection comes at the city’s expense.
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