For Pido, Abdul is the clear MVP

The UAAP has yet to reveal its official choice, but for University of Santo Tomas coach Pido Jarencio, only one player is worthy of  hoisting the Most Valuable Player award: Karim Abdul.

“MVP talaga ‘yun. No question about that,” stressed Jarencio, moments after his charges, the Growling Tigers, drubbed University of the East Red Warriors 87-75 last Sept. 20, bagging their 10th  win against four defeats while gaining their semis seat in the process.

“Double-double every game, sino pa? ‘Yung intimidating presence niya sa loob. Ganun lang kasimple ‘yun. Sino pa bang hahanapin mo? Tapos buma-blangka, umii-steal,” he added.

While the Tigers blew hot and cold in the second round of the preliminaries, the 6-foot-6, 200-pound Cameroonian has continued to be a force of nature for UST, hauling down a league-leading 12.2 rebounds on top of 16.9 points (fourth-best), 1.5 steals (tied for first), and 2.0 blocks (second) against 3.1 turnovers per outing.

However, reigning league MVP Bobby Ray Parks of host National University has also cranked his game up a few notches, sustaining his offensive onslaught with a league-leading 21.4 points on top of 7.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks against a league-high 3.9 turnovers per game averages.

Also hot in the mix are Ateneo center Greg Slaughter, Terrence Romeo of Far Eastern University and prolific La Salle rookie Jeron Teng.

The league has been using statistical points as the sole basis to determine the recipient of the highest individual award.

And Jarencio is putting all his chips on his prized sophomore slotman.

“‘Pag nakita ng mga kalaban niya si Karim, natatakot talaga. Maski ako minsan natatakot, eh,” he said in jest. “Pero sa MVP, no doubt it–si Karim Abdul. ‘Yun lang.”