Rhenz Abando is set to make history as the Letran star will be named as the Season 97 MVP and Rookie of the Year, according to multiple reports.
The 6-foot-3 high leaper will only be the fourth player to bag both awards in the same year since Mapua’s Allwell Oraeme did the feat in 2015, San Beda’s Sam Ekwe in 2006 and Philippine Christian University’s Gabby Espinas in 2004.
Abando has been a force all-season long for Letran as he averaged 15.73 points, 6.36 rebounds, 1.73 assists, and 1.27 blocks off the bench. He was also a vital cog in the Knights' unbeaten run so far in the season although he failed to finish the Knights 68-63 Game 1 win in the NCAA finals due to an ankle injury.
Joining him in the Mythical Team are a slew of big men in Letran teammate Jeo Ambohot, Arellano center Justin Arana, San Sebastian slotman JM Calma and St. Benilde forward Will Gozum.
Arana topped the league in rebounding with 17.11 boards per game while also unloading 14.78 points and 2.78 blocks while Calma led the league in scoring with 16.89 points which came with 10.33 boards and a block per contest.
Gozum and Ambohot meanwhile had double-double averages of 13 points and 11 rebounds and 10.45 points and 10.45 rebounds respectively.
The awards will be handed out before the start of Game 2 on Sunday with Abando and the Knights also a win away from a season sweep and their second-straight NCAA title.