League MVP sees 2015 as Altas year

MANILA, Philippines - Earl Scottie Thompson officially claimed this year’s NCAA MVP trophy then vowed to help Perpetual Help clinch its first championship next year.

“We will have Nigerians Akhueti Bright and Eze Prince next year. They’re good and very strong players and I’m looking forward to another memorable season,” said Thompson during awards rites before the opener of the best-of-three title series between San Beda and Arellano U yesterday.

Thompson posted a pair of triple-double efforts this year and placed among the top 10 in almost every statistical department to power the Altas to their third straight Final Four stint.

Thompson averaged 17.07 points (fourth-best), 11.36 rebounds (fifth), 5.50 assists (tied for second), 1.64 steals (seventh) and a block to make up for a second worst 4.07 turnovers a game.

He thus became the first Perpetual Help player to bag the coveted individual plum since Jose Manalo copped the crown 14 years ago.

Eric Clement Quiday was the first player from the Las Piñas-based school to win such award in 1989.

The Digos, Davao del Sur native had hoped to try out for other schools when he came to Manila in 2010. But only one school took a gamble on him.

“Only Perpetual Help recruited me and I thank them for helping me become who I am now,” said Thompson in Pilipino.

Thompson said his next goal is to help the Altas win their first ever championship next year.

Other Mythical Five members are teammate Harold Arboleda, San Beda’s Ola Adeogun, San Sebastian’s Bradwyn Guinto and Arellano University’s Jiovani Jalalon. Thompson also made it to the All-Defensive squad composed of Gabayni, Adeogun, Guinto and Jose Rizal’s Abdul Razak Abdul Wahab.

Other awardees were Arellano U’s Dioncee Holts (Rookie of the Year), Jalalon (Most Improved), Gabayni (Defensive Player) and Jose Rizal (Sportsmanship).

Darius Estrella emerged the juniors MVP to become the first Jose Rizal cager to win the plum since Keith Agovida and Louie Vigil won it in back-to-back from 2008.

Raphael Chavez of Perpetual Help won the rookie of the year honors in juniors division.