With the way things are going, Calvin Abueva is on track of winning his second consecutive NCAA men's basketball tournament Most Valuable Player crown.
Abueva, San Sebastian College’s most potent weapon on both ends of the floor, posted monster numbers as he leads the league in the scoring, rebounding and assist departments while placing in the top five in steals and blocks category, putting him in a perfect position to capture another MVP plum.
In eight games in the NCAA Season 88, the 6-foot-4 Pampanga native delivered 20.4 points, 17 rebounds and a surprising 6.5 assists a game while norming fifth-best 1.5 steals and fourth-best 1.8 blocks per outing.
Although he also owns the league-worst 4.9 turnovers a game, his gritty all-around effort is enough to help the Golden Stags sit on the second spot with a 6-2 win-loss slate just behind pacesetter San Beda College (6-1) entering the final stretch of the first round.
“For us to win a championship again, I want to involve my teammates and be more of a facilitator on the offensive end,” said Abueva, referring to his stunning output in the assists department.
Not far behind Abueva in the MVP derby are teammate Ian Sangalang, Kevin Alas of Letran College and Earl Thompson of University of Perpetual Help Dalta System.
Despite missing a game due to a strained left knee, the 6-foot-8 Sangalang has been playing solidly, submitting an average of 20 points, 11.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals a game while Alas posted 19.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.7 steals despite committing four turnovers a game after seven outings.
Thompson, a 19-year-old native of Davao del Norte, is also efficient with averages of 14 points, 6.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists and a league-high 2.2 steals and 1.3 blocks, helping the Aric del Rosario-mentored Altas develop into a legitimate title contenders this season with a 6-3 mark.