Perez named NCAA MVP as Pirates banner awardees
Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Sensational all season long, CJ Perez continued to reap the rewards of his hardwork as he was named the NCAA Season 93’s Most Valuable Player.
The 23-year-old forward has undoubtedly been the driving force for Lyceum this year, leading the Pirates to an amazing 18-game sweep of the eliminations en route to their first ever Finals appearance.
Perez averaged a league-best 19.3 points, together with 6.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals to stamp his class among his peers.
Joining Perez in the Mythical Team is his Pirates teammate Mike Nzeusseu along with Javee Mocon of San Beda, Sidney Onwubere of Emilio Aguinaldo College, and Prince Eze of Perpetual Help.
The Cameroonian Nzeusseu has been a rock down low for Lyceum, netting a double-double of 11.4 markers, 11.8 boards, and 1.2 blocks.
Mocon, meanwhile, has been an embodiment of stability for the Red Lions as he churned out solid numbers of 13.0 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 3.4 dimes in his fourth season.
Onwubere showcased his full arsenal in his final year with the Generals, averaging 16.1 markers, 11.0 boards, 2.6 assists, and 1.4 rejections in his team’s failed bid to make it to the Final Four.
The same was the case for Eze, who has been a beast for the Altas in their campaign but failed to help his side advance to the playoffs. The Nigerian bruiser corralled 15.3 points, a league-high 16.4 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks this season.
Meanwhile, Jaycee Marcelino’s stellar first year with the Pirates did not go unnoticed as he was feted as this season’s Rookie of the Year.
A transferee from Adamson, the soft-spoken guard made immediate impact in his debut year for Lyceum, averaging 10.7 points, 5.4 boards, 2.4 assists, and 1.4 steals, while terrorizing the opposing team’s guards with his hounding defense together with twin brother Jayvee.
Eze’s defensive prowess was also recognized as he was named as the league’s Defensive Player of the Year.
Also making the Best Defensive Team are Lyceum’s Nzeusseu, EAC’s Onwubere, Jose Rizal U’s Abdulwahab Abdulrazak, and Mapua’s Christian Buñag.
Heavy Bombers guard Jed Mendoza was adjudged as the Most Improved Player, turning around a largely forgettable rookie year and emerging as a solid contributor for his side with a team-best 13.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.9 assists.
JRU, meanwhile, was given the sportsmanship award.
For the complete collegiate sports coverage including scores, schedules and stories, visit Inquirer Varsity.
