Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
FIVE players who made the varsity season worth remembering banner the top performers set to be honored by the UAAP-NCAA Press Corps and Smart Sports in the Collegiate Basketball Awards on Jan. 26 at Saisaki-Kamayan in Greenhills.
UAAP Most Valuable Player Kiefer Ravena of Ateneo and NCAA MVP Allwell Oraeme of Mapua head the Collegiate Mythical Five that also includes Far Eastern University’s Mac Belo, University of Santo Tomas’ Kevin Ferrer and Perpetual Help’s Scottie Thompson.
Ravena bagged his second straight MVP after leading the Blue Eagles to the Final Four, while the Nigerian Oraeme towed the Cardinals to the semifinals for the first time in five years with a spectacular showing that earned him the MVP, top rookie and best defensive player citations.
Belo, the Finals MVP who also had a notable stint with the national team along with Ravena, played solid all season to help the Tamaraws capture the UAAP crown.
Ferrer had a fantastic run to lead the Tigers to the UAAP Finals for the third time in four years, while Thompson again proved to be one of NCAA’s biggest stars with performances reminiscent of his MVP year in 2014.
One of the five players will be honored as the Smart Player of the Year during the awards night organized by print and online sports writers covering the collegiate beat.
FEU’s Nash Racela and Aldin Ayo, the former Letran mentor now with La Salle, will also be recognized as this season’s top coaches.
Letran’s Kevin Racal and FEU’s Roger Pogoy will receive the Pivotal Player citations, while San Beda’s Baser Amer, Letran’s Mark Cruz and FEU’s Mike Tolomia will be feted as Super Seniors.