Push Admin

NCAA: Letran’s Abando named rookie-MVP; Arellano’s Arana top defender

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<div class="media-content"><div class="slider-for"><div><img src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2022/news/05/22/ncaa-awardings.jpg"/></div><div><img src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2022/news/05/22/mvp.jpg"/></div><div><img src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2022/news/05/22/defensive-player-of-the-year.jpg"/></div></div></div><div class="media-content slider-desc"><div class="item-desc"><p>Will Gozum (from left) of College of Saint Benilde, Justin Arana (Arellano), Rhenz Abando (Letran), Jeo Ambohot (Letran), and JM Calma (San Sebastian) are named to the NCAA 97 Mythical 5. <cite>Mix Gatpandan</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Rhenz Abando of Colegio de San Juan de Letran is announced as rookie-MVP winner of NCAA 97. <cite>Mix Gatpandan</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Justin Arana of Arellano University accepts the trophy for winning defensive player of NCAA 97. <cite>Mix Gatpandan</cite></p></div></div><p>Rhenz Abando was announced on Sunday as the NCAA 97 men&#x27;s basketball MVP and rookie of the year.</p><p>The Letran Knights forward has been at the forefront of his team&#x27;s unbeaten season, as they look to secure the championship later on the same day.</p><p>Abando, who exited the third quarter of Game 1 with an ankle injury, said he was ready to go for Game 2.</p><p>He averaged 15.73 points, 6.36 rebounds, 1.73 assists, and 1.27 blocks while coming off the bench in his first season for the Intramuros school after a much-publicized transfer from the University of Santo Tomas.</p><p>He is the first player to take home the rookie-MVP double since Mapua University&#x27;s Allwell Oraeme in 2015, and the first Letran player to win MVP since Raymond Almazan in 2013.</p><p>Here is the list of winners:</p><p><strong>MVP</strong><br/>Rhenz Abando, Letran</p><p><strong>Mythical 5</strong><br/>Justin Arana, Arellano<br/>Rhenz Abando, Letran<br/>Jeo Ambohot, Letran<br/>Will Gozum, CSB’<br/>JM Calma, SSC</p><p><strong>Defensive Player of the Year</strong><br/>Justin Arana, Arellano</p><p><strong>All-Defensive Team</strong><br/>Nat Cosejo, EAC<br/>Omar Larupay, Lyceum<br/>Justin Arana, Arellano<br/>Will Gozum, CSB<br/>Jeo Ambohot, Letran<br/>JM Calma, SSC</p><p><strong>Most Improved Player</strong><br/>Paolo Hernandez, Mapua</p><p><strong>Rookie of the year</strong><br/>Rhenz Abando, Letran</p>

Abando, who exited the third quarter of Game 1 with an ankle injury, said he was ready to go for Game 2.