San Beda’s Calvin Oftana is NCAA MVP

By WAYLON GALVEZ

After guiding San Beda University to a perfect 18-0 record in the elimination round, Calvin Oftana emerged as the season MVP after topping the statistical department in NCAA Season 95.

Oftana, a 6-foot-4 forward, edged Red Lions teammates Evan Nelle and James Canlas-Kwekuteye for the highest individual award with a 51.56 Player Average Value (PAV).

A native of Dumaguete City, Oftana averaged 15.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.2 shot blocks during the elimination round that saw the Red Lions complete a rare sweep.

Oftana, who is also part of the All-Defensive team, became the first San Beda player since American Sudan Daniel in 2010 to claim the MVP plum.

Joining Oftana, Nelle (45.39) and Canlas-Kwekuteye (45.33) in the Mythical Team are San Sebastian’s Allyn Bulanadi (45.28) and Lyceum of the Philippine University’s Jaycee Marcelino (43.94).

Justin Arana of season host Arellano University emerged as the Rookie of the Year, while Letran’s Fran Yu came out as Most Improved Player.

Arana is also on the All-Defensive Team alongside, University of Perpetual Help System DALTA’s Ben Adamos, Emilio Aguinaldo College’s JP Maguliano and San Sebastian’s JM Calma.

San Beda’s Cameroonian center Donald Tankoua, meanwhile, is the tournament’s Best Foreign Player, while his compatriot Mike Nzeusseu of the Pirates is the NCAA’s Best Defensive Foreign Player.

In the junior’s division, LPU’s John Barba bested his teammate McLaude Guadaña, San Beda’s Yukien Andrada and Justin Sanchez for the MVP plum.

The awarding for this year’s top individual achievers is scheduled Friday before Game 2 of men’s Finals between the Red Lions and the Knights at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City.

Source: Manila Bulletin