Jeron Teng. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
Setting records and chasing history, Jeron Teng has undoubtedly cemented himself as the top player this 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup.
That’s why it’s no surprise that the 23-year-old star out of La Salle is the favorite to win the Conference Most Valuable Player plum.
Averaging 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 6.1 assists, Teng has etched his name in the history books becoming the player with the most triple-doubles in league history with three, doing it all as the Thunder swept the elimination round.
But his brilliance isn’t limited to his individual numbers alone, as he led Flying V to an unbeaten 10-0 run to become only the fourth team in league history to complete an eliminations sweep.
Hot on Teng’s heels for the award is the Cignal HD duo of Raymar Jose and Jason Perkins.
Jose, the hardworking bruiser from FEU, netting 11.8 markers, 10.4 boards, and 1.4 dimes, while Perkins, the hefty forward from La Salle, is tallying 15.3 points, 5.89 rebounds, and 1.8 assists a game in the conference.
Their stellar play allowed the Hawkeyes to grab the second-seed and earn an outright semifinals berth with an 8-2 card.
Flying V forward Gab Banal is also in the MVP race, averaging 13.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists.
Third-seed Tanduay has banked on Lester Alvarez all-conference long and the diminutive guard is norming 13.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists. His teammate Paul Varilla is also in the mix, averaging 10.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists.
JK Casiño has been the ace for the four-seed Centro Escolar University as the playmaker is posting averages of 11.5 markers, 2.2 boards, and 2.1 dimes.
Julian Sargent rounds out the candidates as his all-around effort of 10.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists a game, helped Marinerong Pilipino achieve this late sail to the playoffs.