
By NIKOLE JAVIER
Malick Diouf of University of the Philippines earned the Most Valuable Player honor in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.
Diouf, who was hailed Finals MVP a couple of months ago during the Fighting Maroons’ historic championship run against the Ateneo Blue Eagles, came up huge in its title-retention bid.
The 6-foot-11 center edged out a tight race in Mythical Five members Carl Tamayo, his fellow Maroon, Luis Villegas of University of the East, as well as Dave Ildefonso and Forthsky Padrigao of Ateneo.
Diouf, for his part, has his eyes on the championship title more than the individual recognition.
Meanwhile, Kevin Quiambao of De La Salle captured the Rookie of the Year award following Kean Baclaan of National University’s suspension where he was assessed to be “faking a foul” twice in its game against La Salle last Nov. 23.
The awarding ceremony was held moments before Game 2 between UP and Ateneo with the former looking to clinch its second straight title as of press time.