Black says Al-Hussaini a cinch for MVP plum

Whatever happens in the balloting, Ateneo’s Rabeh Al-Hussaini, in the eyes of his coach, Norman Black, is this year’s Most Valuable Player.

The 19-year-old center, who has shown tremendous improvement this season, has played a major role in leading Ateneo to this year’s finals against bitter rival La Salle.

Al-Hussaini was closely behind Santo Tomas slotman and reigning MVP Jervy Cruz in the statistical points race but is expected to draw the votes from league officials, team votes and media votes.

The statistical points form 50 percent of the total grade, with 15 percent each from the teams (players and coaches) and league officials, and 20 percent from mediamen regularly covering the UAAP.

The awarding will take place during the finals.

“Personally? It’s a no-brainer. I mean I’m not saying Jervy hasn’t been dominant but Rabeh led his team to the finals. It (choice) should be an easy one,” said the Ateneo coach.

“The last I heard being the most valuable player really is based on how you produce for your team and whether you can make your team win or not,” added Black.

The last player from Ateneo to win the MVP award was Enrico Villanueva in 2002 when the Blue Eagles defeated the Green Archers for the title. It was also the last time the two teams met in the finals.

Black, known as “Mr. 100 Percent” in the PBA where he played for so long as an import, said this year’s choice should be down to Al-Hussaini, teammate Chris Tiu and La Salle’s JV Casio and Rico Maierhofer.

He said Cruz, the heavy-bodied, hard-working center from Santo Tomas, deserves the award, too, but his failure to lead the Tigers even to the Final Four should settle the issue.

“A good point is the reality that they’re (UST) not running in the finals. If Jervy made it to the Final Four I can say that hands-down he should be the MVP of the league,” said Black.    – Abac Cordero