DYLAN ABABOU

For helping the rookie-laden University of Santo Tomas reach the Final Four in the 72nd UAAP basketball tournament, forward Dylan Ababou is likely to get a huge reward at the end of the season.

With his strong performance and leadership he provided to the Tigers, the 6-foot-3 Ababou looms as the solid pick to win the coveted Most Valuable Player award.

But it’s not going to be easy.

His closest rivals for the highest individual award are fellow the Smart Gilas RP team mainstay Aldrech Ramos of Far Eastern University and reigning MVP Rabeh Al-Hussaini of defending champion Ateneo.

However, the new rule in determining the season’s MVP favors Ababou.

To avoid controversy, the Board is now putting premium on statistics in determining the MVP winner this year. Before, the votes from the players, coaches, officials and media hold substantial percentage in determining the winner.

Despite the Tigers being considered by many as a long shot to reach the semis, Ababou used his vast experience and talent to conquer the odds.

He’s leading in scoring by averaging 18.9 points, enough to give the Tigers the No. 4 spot with a 6-8 mark after a two-round elimination.

Ababou scored in double figures in all games played this season that saw him hit a career-high 30 points in a 104-89 win over National University last July 16 and earned the Player of the Week award after scoring 28 in the Espana-based squad's 92-88 triumph over University of the East nine days later.

The 6-foot-6 Ramos normed 11.5 points, 11.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks as helped the Tamaraws finish No. 2 behind the Eagles. The Morayta-based squad, which will face UE in the Final Four, wound up with an 11-3 mark.

Ramos’ last two games were impressive as produced 10 points and 19 boards in the team’s 71-69 overtime win over La Salle last Sept. 5. He tallied 16 points and 16 rebounds in Saturday's loss to the Blue Eagles.

After a slow start, Al-Hussaini returned to his dominant form in the second round to norm 16.5 points, second best in the league, on 47-percent clip and hauled down 7.1 board.