NCAA: Mapua’s Clint Escamis wins Rookie of the Year, MVP

MANILA, Philippines—Mapua’s Clint Escamis replicated what Rhenz Abando did in his lone year in Letran.

Escamis was hailed as the Rookie-MVP of the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament, an accolade accomplished by Abando two seasons ago.

The former University of the East swingman ran away with the MVP title with averages of 16.28 points, 5.83 rebounds, 4.22 assists and 3.78 steals per game.

As the best player in the league, he is also granted a spot in the Mythical Five and with Season 99 being his first official season for the Cardinals, he was also proclaimed as the league’s Rookie of the Year.

His exemplary performance under coach Randy Alcantara is also one of the reasons why Mapua is only a win away from the Season 99 championship.

Joining Escamis in the Mythical Team are his fellow Cardinal Warren Bonifacio, Lyceum’s Enoch Valdez, Perpetual Help’s Art Roque and Emilio Aguinaldo College’s JP Maguliano.

Meanwhile, San Sebastian standout Romel Calahat took home Defensive Player of the Year honors after tallying 28 steals and 10 blocks for the season.

The Freshman of the Year, the league’s newest award, was taken home by Jay Garupil of Letran. It was originally intended for Mapua’s Ryle Rosillio but he was disqualified from the race due to a suspension in the elimination round.

Escamis and the Cardinals look to close out San Beda later today at 3 pm at Mall of Asia Arena.