Letran star Rhenz Abando will be etching his name into the history books of the NCAA as he is set to be named both the Most Valuable Player and the Rookie of the Year of Season 97’s men’s basketball tournament.
The high-leaping 6-foot-2 forward will be just the fourth player in league history to accomplish the feat last done by Mapua’s foreign student-athlete Allwell Oraeme in 2015. San Beda’s Sam Ekwe and Philippine Christian University’s Gabby Espinas also achieved the same during the 2006 and 2004 seasons, respectively.
Abando, who transferred from the University of Santo Tomas, averaged stellar numbers of 15.73 points, 6.36 rebounds, 1.73 assists, and 1.27 blocks this season and will be given the awards prior to Game Two this Sunday.
Abando’s status for Game Two, though, remains uncertain after he suffered a sprained ankle in the third period of Game One.
Abando also has a spot on the league’s Mythical Five where will be joined by his teammate, Jeo Ambohot, Arellano big man Justin Arana, San Sebastian forward JM Calma, and St. Benilde's Will Gozum.