Ateneo’s Kiefer Ravena wins UAAP Season 77 MVP

By: Jasmine W. Payo, Mark Giongco - 10 years ago

Kiefer Ravena of Ateneo. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

MANILA, Philippines — From experiencing his team’s most disappointing year, King Eagle Kiefer Ravena continues to enjoy his best season yet as he has been announced on Wednesday as the UAAP Season 77 men’s basketball MVP.

It was that kind of turnaround for the star guard Ravena, who led the Blue Eagles’ march to the top spot at the end of the eliminations and a return trip to the Final Four, after missing it last year.

Ravena topped all players in statistical points (SP) to capture his first MVP plum with 77.6, besting De La Salle’s Jeron Teng, who came in second with 68.2 SPs.

Far Eastern University’s Marc Belo was third with 61.2 SPs, while Ravena’s teammate Chris Newsome followed with 60.6 SPs and University of Santo Tomas’ Cameroonian center Karim Abdul completed the top five with 57.6 points.

The 6-foot Ravena, who was the Rookie of the Year in Season 74, led the league in scoring and assists, averaging 21.2 points and 5.6 assists per game while placing second in steals with 1.5 a game. He also normed 5.9 rebounds per game.

Ravena’s statistical points are the highest recorded since the league adapted the formula in 2003, according to UAAP head statistician Pong Ducanes.

NU’s Alfred Aroga (53.8), FEU’s Mike Tolomia (53.7), Bulldogs forward Troy Rosario (52.7), La Salle’s Jason Perkins (52.2) and Adamson’s Don Trollano (50.6) rounded up the top 10.

Ateneo topped the two-round eliminations and entered the semifinals with a twice-to-beat advantage, beating Far Eastern University in overtime last week.