The return of Clint Escamis in the NCAA didn't only see Mapua University return to the finals, but it also witnessed the guard cop two of the most coveted individual awards in the league.
Escamis has been named the Most Valuable Player for his invaluable role in the Cardinals' Season 99 campaign after collecting 53.16 player average value (PAV).
The 5-foot-11 playmaker was also hailed as the Rookie of the Year, beating San Beda University's Jomel Puno who wound up 13th in terms of statistical rankings (SPs).
Escamis joins an elite group of Rookie MVPs after Rhenz Abando (Season 97), Allwell Oraeme (Season 91), Sam Ekwe (Season 82), and Gabby Espinas (Season 80).
Escamis leads the Mythical Five cast alongside LPU team captain Enoch Valdez (44.82 PAV), Perpetual's sophomore star Jun Roque (41.50), EAC senior big man JP Maguliano (41.27), and his teammate Warren Bonifacio (39.33).
Roque also copped the Most Improved Player plum after jumping from 111th place last season to third in Season 99, edging out his teammate Cyrus Nitura, who leaped from 89th to 13th.
Graduating San Sebastian College-Recoletos bruiser Romel Calahat won't go empty handed in his final year as he will take home the Defensive Player of the Year after collecting 141 rebounds, 28 steals, and 11 blocks.
Completing the Defensive Team are Valdez, Escamis, Maguliano, and Arellano University rookie Lorenz Capulong.
Colegio de San Juan de Letran's Jay Garupil copped the inaugural Freshman of the Year citation, which the league introduced for the first time as a recognition to players who stood out in their first year straight out of high school.
Mapua's Peter Rosillo actually led all freshmen, but was disqualified from receiving any individual award after getting ejected in their 86-82 loss to LPU last November 3.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
