The D Spot

Link to UAAP Season 71 – Schedules, Statistics, Updates and Highlights here.

UPDATE:  24 September 2008

It’s now official:  Rabeh Al-Hussaini is UAAP Season 71’s MVP! Ryan Buenafe is Rookie of the Year. Chris Tiu is a member of the Mythical 5. I said so—my bet (and guess) were right.

UAAP will fete Chris Tiu, Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Ryan Buenafe as three of the Best Performers.

Mythical 5 comprises: Chris Tiu and Rabeh Al-Hussaini of Ateneo, Jervy Cruz of UST, Rico Maierhoffer and JV Casio of La Salle.

Studio 23 which telecasts the games will fete several other players on its own, including Al Hussaini as Most Improved Player, Nonoy Baclao as Defensive Player of the Year, both Ateneans.

Studio 23 will also honor Chris Tiu with a special citation, and an all Rookie team comprising Ateneo’s Ryan Buenafe and Nicolas Silva, La Salle’s LA Revilla and Joshua Webb, and UST’s Clark Bautista.

Awarding will be tomorrow, before the 4pm Game 2, so be there early at the Araneta!

Source:  Sports Section of The Philippine Star 24 Sept 2008

In addition, Nonoy Baclao will be feted as Finals MVP.

23 September 2008

Rabeh Al-Hussaini, my bet for MVP UAAP Season 71

Remember this picture? gRabeh! a perfect photo snap. This picture was taken a few hours before the 13 July game against UE, a few hours before Rabeh’s break out game—there was no stopping him after that. I was with BA, Alan Jr, Chato and Monica in McDonald’s Katipunan, at that time, and there was Rabeh by my side ordering his burgers and fries. A perfect moment for a photo snap which he gracefully obliged. Monica took the picture. At the other side of the cashier looking amused at us was his companion, a total stranger to me, whom I snobbed. Later, I found out that he was Ryan Buenafe, another of the promising Ateneo rookies (my guess is that Ryan Buenafe will be Rookie of the Year).

Before Season 71, Rabeh was averaging only 5 points per game. Look where he is now—since after that photo snap he was scoring high points, doing very well, and has caught a lot of peole by surprise. In Sunday’s Game 1 against La Salle, he scored 31 points. Coach Norman Black calls his performance “exceptional”. He probably is the best center this season.

Rabeh says his aim is for his team to be the champion. He once said that winning an individual award, that is, the MVP Award, is nothing if his team does not win the championships. If the award comes, it’s a bonus.

For leading his teammates to the championships (Chris Tiu of course is another of the major figures), my bet for Season 71’s MVP is none other than Rabeh Al-Hussaini!

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