National University Bulldogs guard Reinhard Jumamoy emerged as the leading contender for the Most Valuable Player award in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament after the opening round of eliminations.
Jumamoy accumulated 72.714 statistical points (SPs) to lead the race among local players, helping the Bulldogs finish the first round with a 5-2 win-loss record and a share of the league’s top spot.
The fourth-year guard, who previously won the UAAP Season 85 boys’ basketball MVP award, is averaging 13.29 points per game, the eighth-best scoring output in the league, while ranking second in assists with 5.14 per contest.
University of Santo Tomas’ Amiel Acido sits second among local candidates with 68.714 SPs, followed by Jumamoy’s NU teammate PJ Palacielo with 66.286. UST’s Mark Llemit ranks fourth with 66.0, while FEU’s Kirby Mongcopa rounds out the top five with 65.0.
Acido, the NCAA Season 99 MVP, is averaging 15.86 points and four assists per game as the Growling Tigers completed the first round with a 4-3 record.
Palacielo, a graduating center, has posted averages of 12 points, 6.29 rebounds and 4.43 assists. Llemit is producing 14.71 points, 7.29 rebounds, 2.43 assists and 1.29 steals per game.
Mongcopa, meanwhile, has been a consistent contributor for FEU, averaging 14.43 points, 7.29 rebounds and 3.14 assists as the Tamaraws also finished the first round at 4-3.
In the Best Foreign Student-Athlete race, FEU’s Mo Konateh holds the advantage with a league-best 78.429 SPs. The Gambian big man is averaging 13.86 points, 11.14 rebounds, 2.57 blocks, 2.43 assists and 1.71 steals per game.
UST center Collins Akowe ranks second in the foreign student-athlete statistical standings with averages of 15.29 points, 13.71 rebounds, 2.14 assists and 1.86 blocks. Akowe made history as the first recipient of the award in any UAAP division.
Ateneo de Manila University rookie Kieffer Alas leads the Rookie of the Year race, placing 10th overall with 59.143 SPs.
FEU’s Cabs Cabonilas is 24th overall with 48 SPs, while De La Salle University’s Joaquin Tovera sits 35th with 40.429 SPs.
The statistical rankings reflect the players’ performances through the first round of the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament. (Adrian Co)
