The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a breeding ground of the country's future basketball superstars.
Ahead of NCAA Season 98 on Saturday, get to know the league's Most Valuable Players in the past ten seasons.
1. Season 87: Calvin Abueva
Abueva led the San Sebastian Stags to a finals spot in NCAA Season 87 and had averages of 21.5 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game during the elimination round. However, the Stags lost to the San Beda Red Lions in the finals.
2. Season 88: Ian Sangalang
Another Golden Stag took home the MVP plum in 2012 as Ian Sangalang averaged 19.9 points, 12.5 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game.
(Photo: Zeke Alonzo)
3. Season 89: Raymond Almazan
Raymond Almazan, meanwhile, led the Letran Knights to another finals appearance and tallied 14.7 points, 14.3 boards, and 2.7 blocks per game in the elimination round of Season 89.
(Photo: Zeke Alonzo)
4. Season 90: Scottie Thompson
Before being an MVP in the PBA, Scottie Thompson was named as the NCAA Most Valuable Player in Season 90 with a statline of 26.5 points and 10.0 rebounds per game to lead the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA to a Final Four spot.
5. Seasons 91-92: Allwell Oraeme
All was well for Mapua University's Allwell Oraeme as he bagged back-to-back MVP awards in Season 91 and 92. Oraeme, who was also Rookie of the Year in Season 91, averaged 6.33 points and 20.28 rebounds per game to power the Cardinals to a Final Four Spot. Oraeme again bagged the recognition in Season 92 as he posted 15.8 points, 19.8 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game.
6. Season 93: CJ Perez
Touted as the 'Baby Beast,' Perez led the Lyceum of the Philippines University to a season sweep and averaged 19.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. However, the Pirates fell to the San Beda Red Lions that year.
(Photo: Zeke Alonzo)
7. Season 94: Prince Eze
Another Perpetualite bagged the MVP honors as Prince Eze took home the top individual award for Season 94 after getting 17.9 points, 16.3 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks per game. The Altas also landed a Final Four spot in the said year.
8. Season 95: Calvin Oftana
Calvin Oftana was a crucial part of the San Beda squad's perfect elimination round and he posted 15.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.2 blocks. The Mendiola-based squad, however, fell to the Letran Knights.
9. Season 97: Rhenz Abando
After not holding a full basketball tournament because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Letran Knights added to its arsenal the phenomenal collegiate player Rhenz Abando. He led the Knights to its second straight title and posted 15.73 points, 6.36 boards, 1.73 assists and 1.27 blocks per game, also netting the league's Rookie of the Year aside from the top individual award.
Who will be the next NCAA MVP? Find out soon as Season 98 opens on September 10.
—JMB, GMA News
