Enoch Valdez' mindset heading into the first-ever GMA NCAA All-Star basketball game on Sunday was geared towards one thing: bag the MVP award.
Though his Team Heroes and the Team Saints ended the showcase in a 109-all stalemate, the plan still went Valdez' way as the Lyceum of the Philippines University forward was hailed the MVP.
And for Valdez, it redeemed himself from a modest showing in the recent NCAA Season 97 where the Pirates fell short of a Final Four spot. He also wasn't able to bag any individual award.
"Sobrang saya kasi first All-Star nga 'to ng GMA so talagang sa mindset ko kanina, gusto ko makuha 'yung MVP kasi gusto kong bumawi na wala akong nakuhang award last NCAA season," Valdez said.
"So ayun gusto kong makakuha kahit papaano ng award."
Valdez led Team Heroes side with 16 points, nine rebounds, one assist and a block while helping him was Emilio Aguinaldo College's Allen Liwag who notched 15 markers, three boards, and four assists.
"Ginawa naman namin 'yung part namin talaga, sadyang maganda lang talaga 'yung nilalaro ng both teams," added Valdez. "Naka-build kami ng relationship namin sa ibang teams, sa ibang players."
Valdez added that his inclusion in the All-Star, where artists from GMA participated, will be a great confidence booster as he is set to play his fourth year with LPU come Season 98.
"Itong nangyari na ito sa'kin, makakatulong 'to para sa next season kasi makakabawi ako ng confidence ko na magagawa ko next season."
—JMB, GMA News
