Bono of Adamson Falcons named MVP at UAAP

Karl Kenneth Bono, Adamson Falcons center, didn't care for individual honor in this year's UAAP men's basketball tournament. Primary in his mind was to help his team reach the Final Four. Bono accomplished what he set to do: The Falcons finished fourth, fighting the Ateneo Eagles in the semifinals, where unfortunately they lost to the stronger Ateneo Five. But on Saturday afternoon, his efforts were awarded with a Most Valuable Player trophy in the 69th season of the league. "I did not expect this nor think of this," Bono said. "Coach Leo (Austria) motivated me to help the team and that was the reason why I was inspired to play." The 6-foot-5 center, who's on his fourth year as a Management student at Adamson University, played inspired basketball as he posted averages of 22.4 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. "I sitll have a year to play for Adamson," he said. "But I am not sure if I will be playing next season. It will all depend on who will be our next coach." Coach Austria will not be suiting up for the Falcons next year as he has a bigger role to play as head mentor of Welcoat Dragons in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Bono, with JC Intal of Ateneo, led the mythical Philippine Basketball League (PBL) team composed of Marvin Cruz of the University of the Philippines, Jeff Chan of the Far Eastern University, and Jervy Cruz of the University of Santo Tomas. Meanwhile, forward Woodward Co of UP Maroons was the recipient of the Rookie of the Year award. Lady Eagles Cassey Tiongson was chosen MVP in the women's division and Blue Eaglet Raymund Austria was chosen MVP in the juniors division. - GMANews.Tv