Ateneo’s Koyfman makes 2-year wait worthwhile with UAAP title, Finals MVP

Marck Espejo’s production for Ateneo is already a given and for Blue Eagles coach Oliver Almadro, what also played as a huge factor in the Blue Eagles’ three-peat are the contributions the they got from the supporting cast.

And the outspoken coach couldn’t thank his American outside hitter Tony Koyfman enough as he helped Espejo and setter Ish Polvorosa close out National University on Saturday.

“When the points mattered, he’s always there and he brings the intensity,” said Almadro.

Koyfman averaged 15.5 points in the championship series to aid the high-octane Espejo in the spiking department.

However, what Almadro commended from his towering first-year player is the energy he gave to his fellow Blue Eagles on the floor.

“Sometimes its not about the points. It’s about the intensity you give to your teammates. It’s about the inspiration you give to your teammates and that’s really the most important part of our team,” he said. “Tony inspired his teammates to believe in themselves, and the same goes with Marck and Ish.”

Koyfman, who was named Finals MVP, said the hardware was just a bonus as all he wanted was to follow Almadro’s game plan to a tee.

“All I wanted to do is just to win for them,” Koyfman, who served a two-year residency before being eligible to suit up for Ateneo, said. “To play for Ateneo is really inspiring. It really is something valuable and I really enjoyed it.”

“I’m proud that I got to wait two years and proved myself, not only to the team but to everyone here in the UAAP. I’m proud that I was able to show that I can do it,” he said.