Mbala, Oraeme get mythical team nod from media
BEN MBALA of De La Salle University and Allwell Oraeme of Mapua Institute of Technology, most valuable players in the biggest collegiate leagues in the country, banner the Collegiate Mythical Five selection that will be awarded by the UAAP-NCAA Press Corps later this month.
In an announcement made early this week, Mbala and Oraeme, MVPs in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines ( UAAP) and National Collegiate Athletic Association ( NCAA), respectively, head the five-man cast and to be joined by Jeron Teng of La Salle, Jio Jalalon of Arellano University and Javee Mocon of San Beda College.
Being named to the mythical five, said players are eligible to be named player of the year in the annual awards ceremony organized by the people covering the two marquee leagues.
Played for the first time with the Archers in Season 79 after completing his residency, Mbala was a runaway winner for the UAAP MVP award with averages of 20.7 points, 16 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 2.5 blocks while helping his team to a near- perfect slate in the elimination round with a 13-1 record.
His presence proved to be a huge difference maker for the Taft-based team, which made its way back to the UAAP summit with the Season 79 crown after missing the final four altogether the previous year.
Oraeme, meanwhile, proved why he is the best big man in the country’s longest- standing collegiate league, winning his second consecutive MVP award in NCAA Season 92.
The title would not go his and the Cardinals’ way but he was instrumental in Mapua making it back to the semifinal round for a second consecutive time with averages of 16 points, 20 rebounds and 2.4 blocks a game.
Teng, for his part, took a back step for teammate Mbala for much of the UAAP season but when it came to winning time the King Archer showed the way, leading his team to the title over archrivals Ateneo Blue Eagles with norms of 19 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists in the finals en route to being named best player of the championship series.
Jalalon, now in the pros with the Star Hotshots, made huge waves in his final year in the NCAA, posting stellar numbers of 21.1 points, six boards, 7.4 assists and 2.3 steals in steering his Arellano team to a runner-up finish.
While his numbers were not as staggering as the other mythical five members, Mocon ( 11.3 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 3 apg and 1 spg) was a steadying factor in San Beda recapturing the NCAA title. He also stepped up to the plate when top Lions big man Donald Tankoua had his season cut short by a knee injury.
Apart from the Collegiate Mythical Five award, also to be handed out is the Coach of the Year which will go to Aldin Ayo of UAAP champion La Salle and Jamike Jarin of NCAA titleholder San Beda.
Also to be given are the Pivotal Player, Impact Player, Super Senior and Mr. Efficiency awards.
The annual Collegiate Basketball Awards by the UAAP-NCAA Press Corps is backed by Smart, Accel, Mighty Sports, MJM Productions and Chooks to Go.
It happens on Jan. 26 at the Montgomery Place Social Hall in E. Rodriguez Ave., Quezon City.