MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

Editor’s note: Bold denotes league leader

R.R. Garcia (FEU)

Statistics: 17.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.3 spg, 0.8 bpg

In any discussion for a league’s MVP, the best player on the best team (FEU) always gets consideration.  But when the best player is also the single greatest talent in the league, any arguments quickly become mute.  Leading the league in scoring, R.R. Garcia not only functions as the most potent scorer in the league but is also the engine that runs the Tamaraw’s offensive blitz.  The sophomore also doubles as a crunch time assassin, sinking Ateneo late in regulation and playing a key role in FEU’s double overtime victory over the Green Archers.

Kirk Long (Ateneo)

Statistics: 9.4 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.7 spg, 0.3 bpg

Kirk Long’s transformation from potential laden rookie to MVP candidate has been a long but largely successful one.  From admittedly not playing defense in high school to being one of the premier perimeter defenders of the season, Long’s blue-collar approach to the game has spurred growth in his game and most importantly for the Ateneo Blue Eagles, consistency.  Hanging his hat on doing the little things, his case for MVP is a summation of the team first attitude he takes into every game.  From checking the opposing star player to being the resident three point bomber for the Eagles, his contributions have not only been the most consistent but also the most valuable for Ateneo.

Lester Alvarez (AdU)

Statistics: 11.0 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.7 apg, 2.1 spg, 0,0 bpg

Adamson’s success thus far has been one of the bigger surprises of the year.  Hailed as an offseason wild card, the Falcons have solidified their championship aspirations in the first round, notching a 5-2 record.  While team-mate Eric Camson may have more impressive stats, Lester Alvarez has been the key to the Adamson fast break.  While being a respectable scorer himself, Alvarez’s most valuable contribution is his ability to efficiently run the Falcon transition game.  His contributions on the defensive end allow the Falcons to take advantage of their ability to force turnovers, leading the league in points off turnovers and second in fast-break points to boot.

Paul Lee (UE): Why he’s not an MVP candidate

Along with RR. Garcia, Paul Lee is another bright talent in the game.  His combination of three point shooting, drives to the basket and ability to bully defending guards makes a lethal scorer.  Add to this his killer mentality in the clutch and his ability to make others around him better, he has all the makings for an MVP candidate.  However, the asterisk next to his extended list of statistical achievements (2nd in scoring, 6th in rebounding, 3rd in assists and 3rd in steals), is the abysmal 1-6 record the UE Red Warriors hold.  Team success carries great weight in determining value to a team and despite Lee’s best efforts, his supporting cast has yet to provide enough to prop Lee’s MVP campaign as of the season’s
halfway mark.