MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo center Mike Nieto is this year’s Most Valuable Player in the UAAP Season 77 juniors basketball tournament.
Nieto, who led the Blue Eagles to an early Finals appearance via a sweep of the elimination round, averaged 16.4 points and 11.8 rebounds to garner a total of 75 statistical points through 14 games.
National University’s Mark Dyke was a far second with 65.8 statistical points while Mike’s twin brother Matt came in a close third with 64.0 statistical points. De La Salle’s Aljun Melecio came in next while Adamson’s Frederick Tungcab completed the top five players in the MVP race.
The Nieto twins aim to help Ateneo, which is armed with a thrice-to-beat edge in the finals, win its first juniors title since 2010.
Action in the juniors tournament resumes on Tuesday afternoon with defending champion National University and Adamson figuring in a playoff for the No. 2 spot.