San Miguel’s Leo Avenido is 2012 ABL MVP

Wong Wei long of the Slingers is block by Leo Avenido of the SMB RP. PHOTO BY AUGUST DELA CRUZ

MANILA, Philippines—San Miguel’s Leo Avenido has been named as the Local Most Valuable Player of the 3rd Asean Basketball League Thursday, and became the first Filipino player to claim the plum.

Avenido, which got the majority of votes from all the eight head coaches, has always been the best-perfoming local in the regular season as he averaged at least 15 points per game.

The ABL veteran, who has suited up for three teams in the past three seasons, edged Indonesia’s Mario Wuysang and Philippine Patriots’ Al Vergara for the award.

Avenido’s job is only halfway done, though, as he is tasked to carry the Beermen to a championship on Saturday against the Warriors—something he still hasn’t achieved in his ABL stint.

This might be this year as San Miguel looks to zero in on the title before its home crowd on game three at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City at 4 p.m.

Avenido has been making his presence felt since the maiden season, playing for the Brunei Barracudas, then for Singapore Slingers in the ensuing season.