UP’s Bright Akhuetie could be 3rd MVP from Perpetual

MANILA, Philippines — Perpetual Help is soon to produce a third Most Valuable Player in the last four years as Bright Akhuetie, its former player now with University of the Philippines, is expected to win the award in the UAAP.

Akhuetie, who has helped the Altas reach the NCAA Final Four twice in his three seasons with the Las Piñas-based school, will win the coveted individual plum after emerging with the highest statistical score of 82.500 after the double-round elimination.

The Nigerian will thus join former teammates Prince Eze and Earl Scottie Thompson as MVP winners.

Eze emerged as this year’s runaway MVP in the 94th NCAA season, besting the likes of Letran’s Bong Quinto and San Beda’s Robert Bolick, Javee Mocon and Donald Tankoua, while Thompson, who is now with Brgy. Ginebra in the PBA, was MVP four years ago.

Akhuetie was also one of the biggest factors  behind the Maroons first Final Four stint in 21 years.

 “We congratulate our former Perpetual Help student and player Bright Akhuetie for his accomplishments,” said NCAA and Perpetual Help president Anthony Tamayo. “We’re also proud that we have produced three MVP winners in the last four seasons.”

Tamayo said the successes of Akhuetie, Eze and Thompson are the product of the school’s improving basketball program.

Recently, the Altas made the Final Four under the tutelage of new coach Frankie Lim despite being written off before the season.

“The team overachieved this season and we’re optimistic we will continue to improve and hopefully win our very first senior basketball championship,” said Tamayo.