Ateneo dominates UAAP individual awards

MANILA, Philippines – The Ateneo Blue Eagles hugged the limelight in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) individual awards ceremonies, taking home most of the trophies handed out Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum. Rabeh al-Hussaini took home the Most Valuable Player award after he led the Eagles to a 13-1 record during the elimination round. Al-Hussaini, in his fourth year with the Ateneo program, ranked second in scoring (18.0 points), third in rebounding (9.6) and second in field-goal percentage (49 percent). Al-Hussaini joined teammate Chris Tiu on the all-UAAP team that included La Salle teammates JV Casio and Rico Maierhofer and University of Santo Tomas’ Jervy Cruz. Al-Hussaini, whose scoring output this season eclipsed his three previous years combined, was also awarded the Most Improved Player. The Rookie of the Year award was given to Ateneo freshman Ryan Buenafe. Buenafe joined teammate Nico Salva on the all-rookie team that included La Salle Archers LA Revilla and Joshua Webb and UST’s Clark Bautista. Ateneo’s shot-blocking menace Nonoy Baclao was handed the Best Defensive Player trophy. – GMANews.TV