James Yap hot MVP bet in Leo Awards tomorrow
THE PHILIPPINE Basketball Association’s 35th-season Most Valuable Player will be announced tomorrow to highlight the annual Leo Awards preceding Game 3 of the Fiesta Conference Finals at the Ara-neta Coliseum.
The Alaska Aces will go for a third straight win over the San Miguel Beermen when the best-of-seven championship series resumes after the rites.
Derby Ace gunslinger James Yap, the MVP in 2006, is the hot choice to run away with his second MVP trophy after leading the Llamados to the Philippine Cup title and to a fourth place finish in the season-ending tournament.
Kelly Williams and Mac Cardona of Talk ‘N Text, Arwind Santos and Jay Washington of San Miguel, Asi Taulava of Coca-Cola, Gabe Norwood of Rain or Shine and Alaska spitfire LA Tenorio are the other candidates.
Also on tap in the program starting at 5:15 p.m. is a tribute to former PBA chair Lito Alvarez, Air21’s erstwhile representative to the league’s board.
Rico Maierhofer of Derby Ace, meanwhile, looms as the hands-down choice to clinch the Rookie of the Year award, with the former La Salle stalwart making the most impact among newcomers.
The members of the Mythical First and Second teams and the all-Defensive team, and the Most Improved Player will also be named.
The awards is held in honor of the late Leo Prieto, the founding commissioner of the PBA.
Williams topped the statistical points race, while Washington was named the Best Player of the Fiesta Conference last week.
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