King Bomber Wilson claims MVP plum

MANILA, Philippines - John Wilson might have failed to carry Jose Rizal University to the NCAA finals for the second straight year but the key Bomber succeeded in bagging the MVP crown with a solid all-around performance this season.

Wilson finished with a total of 52.7 average statistical points to edge San Beda’s American behemoth Sudan Daniel, who came in second with 51.3 points and clinch the coveted crown.

Wilson thus became the first MVP from the Kalentong-based school since Ernani Epondulan won eight seasons ago and the sixth Bomber overall to gain the honor.

The other former MVPs from Jose Rizal were Estelito Epondulan (1990), Philip Cezar (1972), Sixto Agbay (1969) and Roel Deles (1967).

Light Bomber Louie Vigil, on the other hand, won the MVP plum in the high school division to complete a JRU sweep. He piled up 68.2 average points, way ahead of Jarelen Tampus (60.7) and Glenn Khobuntin (59.6) of Letran, teammate Joshua Saret (57.6) and San Beda’s Baser Amer (57.3).

Wilson and Daniel also led the Mythical team along with Arellano U’s Giorgio Ciriacruz (43.3), San Sebastian’s Calvin Abueva (42.6) and Letran’s RJ Jazul (42.3).

San Sebastian’s Jimbo Aquino, the league’s second leading scorer, would have been in the mythical team but was disqualified from receiving any individual award for a disqualification foul he committed in the Stags’ playoff match with the Lions last week.

Daniel, who led the league in blocks with a 75 total, 53 more than San Sebastian’s rookie Ian Sangalang, who also bagged the Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards while Amer is Rookie of the Year and Vigil the Defensive Player of the Year in the high school section.            – Joey Villar