San Beda’s gentle giant named 2nd rookie MVP

San Beda’s Samuel Ekwe, the 6-foot-8 behemoth from Nigeria who made an impact on the collegiate wars the entire season, became the second player in the NCAA to win the Most Valuable Players award on his rookie year.

Ekwe, 22, amassed a total of 38.9 player’s overall value (POV) points after averaging a league best 13.9 rebounds and 2.8 blocks and 8.5 points in the 14-game elimination round to cop both trophies.

Ekwe also headed the Mythical Team together with Jose Rizal’s Floyd Dedicatoria (34.6), Philippine Christian U’s Gabby Espinas (33.5) and Jason Castro (30.1) and Perpetual Help’s Khiel Misa (28.7).

Ekwe, who is planning to go to San Beda’s Bukidnon seminary after his studies, was also the year’s top defensive player.

He duplicated the feat achieved by the pro-bound Espinas, who accomplished it two years ago when the Dolphins reigned supreme in the country’s oldest collegiate basketball league.

Ekwe also owned the league’s season best in rebounds and blocks.

He plucked 23 boards in a win over San Sebastian last July 12 and blocked 11 shots in another victory over Jose Rizal last July 31.

Letran’s Boyet Bautista won the Most Improved Player plum.

Another rookie MVP emerged from the juniors division in Elvin Pascual of PCU, who also led the elite first squad.

Michael Dizon of Perpetual Help was the most improved player in high school. — Joey Villar