Semerad, Aroga cited for standout year

MANILA, Philippines – Anthony Semerad and Alfred Aroga, two players who played key roles in their respective teams’ title runs, will be feted by the UAAP-NCAA Press Corps and SMART in the 2014 Collegiate Basketball Awards on December 4 at the Saisaki-Kamayan Edsa.

San Beda’s Semerad and National University’s Aroga were adjudged as this year’s Pivotal Players, the honor given by collegiate basketball scribes to the cagers who helped their teams reach the ultimate goal of winning the championship this season.

Semerad had an NCAA finals series to remember against Arellano when he pumped in 30 points to lift San Beda to their fifth straight league title in his last collegiate game before heading to the PBA to play for Globalport.

Aroga, on the other hand, dominated the UAAP titular showdown, including a 24-point, 18-rebound effort for the Cameroonian standout in Game Three to help National University end its 60-year title drought by beating Far Eastern University.

Meanwhile, Glenn Khobuntin of NU, Almond Vosotros of De La Salle and Kyle Pascual of San Beda will also be honored with the Super Senior trophy in the recognition dinner supported by Smart Sports, Accel 3XVI and Kohl Industries (Doctor J alcohol, Bactigel hand sanitizer, and Mighty Mom dishwashing liquid).

Khobuntin, Vosotros, and Pascual will receive the award for their overall performance while completing their college eligibility with their respective teams.

Eric Altamirano of NU and Boyet Fernandez of San Beda will be receiving their Coach of the Year plums in the simple awards night along with Collegiate Mythical Team members Kiefer Ravena of Ateneo, Earl Scottie Thompson of Perpetual Help, Mac Belo of Far Eastern University, Ola Adeogun of San Beda, and Jeron Teng of De La Salle.

The annual event, also backed by San Miguel Corporation, UAAP Season 77 host University of the East, NCAA Season 90 host Jose Rizal University, Gatorade and the Philippine Sportswriters Association, cites the outstanding performers in the country’s top two varsity leagues.