Rhenz Abando is NCAA’s MVP & ROY for Season 97
Rhenz Abando is poised to make history as the first player to win the MVP (most valuable player) while coming off the bench and the first Rookie-MVP in seven years in the NCAA Season 97 men's basketball tournament to be given during the awarding ceremony before the Knights-Cardinals championship clash this Sunday at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
The former Golden Tiger of the University of Sto. Tomas, averaged 15.73 points, 6.36 rebounds, 1.73 assists, and 1.27 blocks in his debut season in the NCAA under coach Bonnie Tan's helm.
“My priority is to win the championship because I don’t want to be a bridesmaid anymore,’’ said Abando, who transferred to Letran a year after playing for UST that lost in the UAAP Finals in 2019 .
“Winning the MVP is just a bonus, but I’m still thankful for the blessing,’’ added Abando.
Abando’s accomplishment is the newest addition of the feat after Mapua's Allwell Oraeme Rookie-MVP in 2015, Sam Ekwe of Sam Beda in 2006 and Philippine Christian University's Gabby Espinas in 2004.
NCAA considers all players in their first season in the league as rookies, regardless if they're transferees or high school graduates.
The 24-year-old Abando will also be featured in Season 97’s
Mythical Five and will be joined by his teammate Jeo Ambohot, Arellano bigman Justin Arana, power forward JM Calma of San Sebastian and St. Benilde’s Will Gozum.
In his historic season, Abando led his team to an 11 game win streak and is looking forward to steering his team to sweep the best-of-three series against Mapua after a tight 68-63 win in the finals opener last Sunday.
Abando still finished with 13 points and seven rebounds despite not finishing the match as he went down with a left foot injury after a highlight putback dunk with 3:20 left in the third period.
Tags: #NCAA, #Letran, #Basketball, #sports