Jalen Brunson Wins Philly Athlete Award

Jalen Brunson was named the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association’s 2026 Professional Athlete of the Year on Friday. The New Brunswick, New Jersey native starred at Villanova before leading the Knicks to their first championship since 1973 and winning NBA Finals MVP last season. Brunson will be honored Jan. 11, 2027, at the 122nd annual PSWA Awards Banquet. The Knicks won’t get much time to celebrate, with the 76ers adding LeBron James and Jaylen Brown to become one of their biggest threats this season.