Kouame: UAAP MVP.
Kouame is UAAP MVP
ATENEO’S naturalized center Ange Kouame emerged as this season’s Most Valuable Player in the awards ceremony prior to Game 2 of the UAAP men’s basketball Finals yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Winning in runaway fashion, Kouame bested a bevy of big men led by La Salle’s Justine Baltazar for the highest individual award.
The 24-year old Kouame became the first Blue Eagle to become season MVP since Kiefer Ravena won back-to-back in 2015.
“I just want to thank you to the Ateneo community,” said Kouame, who was serenaded by MVP chants after receiving the award.
“It’s been a long year and you guys have always been there. Thank you also to my teammates for always being there. Whatever we do is for the community. Let’s go Ateneo,” the Ivory Coast born added.
University of the Philippines’ Carl Tamayo, who has a makings of being the school’s next big star since Benjie Paras in the mid-80s, took home the Rookie of the Year honors.
Tallying 69.21 statistical points – the league’s sole basis for awarding – Kouame defeated Baltazar, who finished a far second with 63.0 SPs.
Kouame and Baltazar were also named in the Mythical Five, which also includes the Fighting Maroons standout forwards Zavier Lucero (62.0 SPs) and Tamayo (57.64), and the Green Archers’ rising star Mike Phillips (54.64).
Tamayo, 21, edged out Phillips for the top rookie honors.
The Talisay City, Cebu-born Tamayo became the first UP Rookie of the Year winner since Juan Gomez de Liaño in 2017. By Theodore Jurado
