He might have a strong case for the Most Valuable Player award in NCAA Season 97, but Arellano's Justin Arana isn't paying mind to any talk about individual plums.
Not when his Chiefs are in the thick of the fight for a place in the play-in tournament, and maybe even a shot at the Final Four.
"Siguro 'di muna kasi focus muna ako sa panalo kasi mas crucial na 'yung mga games namin so mas focused ako sa team win namin," said the 6-foot-7 Arana when asked if he's putting weight on winning the MVP.
"Kung manalo man, bonus na lang 'yun. Kung ano man 'yung dumating na individual na award, bonus na lang 'yun sakin. Mas mahalaga 'yung panalo namin and makapunta sa Final Four."
Through seven games this season, Arana has simply dominant.
He's leading the league in terms of total field goals made (6.1), rebounds (15.4), and blocks (3.0) while also averaging 15.1 points, 1.6 assists and 0.6 steals as the Chiefs are now on a 3-5 slate.
Still, the graduating big man said the team's results carries more importance than his personal achievements.
He also credited his teammates, especially team captain Gelo Sablan and Jordan Sta. Ana, in helping him lead the team to a rout Emilio Aguinaldo College on Sunday, 70-55.
"Sobrang saya ko para sa dalawang teammates ko na 'yon (Sablan and Sta. Ana) kasi sila rin 'yung lagi kong kausap eh," the Arellano bruiser said.
"Binigay nila 'yung best nila and kailangan talaga namin sila. Masaya ako kasi nag-step up sila, buong team namin laking tulong nila."
—JMB, GMA News
