Scribes fete best, finest college stars

MANILA, Philippines - The UAAP-NCAA Press Corps and Smart will fete top collegiate players Troy Rosario, Jiovani Jalalon, Gelo Alolino and Baser Amer for their exploits in the season about to end when the Collegiate Basketball Awards is held Thursday at the Saisaki-Kamayan EDSA.

Rosario, a vital cog in National University’s UAAP title romp, will be honored with the Doctor J Breakthrough Player for emerging as one of the country’s top collegiate players.

Jalalon and Alolino, meantime, will be honored with the Impact Player award for their contributions to their team’s success with the Arellano Chiefs and NU Bulldogs, respectively, during the recognition dinner backed by Smart Sports, Accel 3XVI and Kohl Industries (Doctor J alcohol, Bactigel hand sanitizer, and Mighty Mom dishwashing liquid).

Amer, on the other hand, will be feted with the Accel Court General award for his leadership with San Beda in the Red Lions’ run to their fifth straight NCAA championship.

Eric Altamirano of NU and Boyet Fernandez of San Beda will also receive the Coach of the Year award while Kiefer Ravena of Ateneo, Earl Scottie Thompson of University of Perpetual Help, Ola Adeogun of San Beda, Mac Belo of Far Eastern University and Jeron Teng of De La Salle make up the Collegiate Mythical Team.

Anthony Semerad of San Beda and Alfred Aroga of NU were adjudged as the year’s Pivotal Players, while Glenn Khobuntin of NU, Kyle Pascual of San Beda, and Almond Vosotros of De La Salle will be honored with the Super Senior plums.

The annual event is also backed by San Miguel Corp., UAAP Season 77 host University of the East, NCAA Season 90 host Jose Rizal University, Gatorade and the Philippine Sportswriters Association.