The historic centennial year of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) kicked off with the men’s basketball tournament, and as the anticipated event wrapped up its festivities on Saturday with a celebration a la Cardinals, the Grand Old League also gave flowers to its season’s best performers.

Moments before Mapúa’s demolition job of Benilde in Game 2 at a jam-packed Araneta Coliseum, the cream of the crop, bannered by newly minted MVP-DPOY Allen Liwag, took center stage. 

Liwag, a 6-foot-6 bruiser from Alfonso, Cavite, became only the second local in NCAA history to win both the Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year awards in one season, following the footsteps of Letran legend Raymond Almazan who did it in 2013.

Needless to say, Liwag was also named to the season’s Mythical 5 team and All-Defense selection, and deservedly so as he posted monster averages of 14.6 points and 11.3 rebounds in his debut campaign as a Blazer.

Joining Liwag in the prestigious best-five squad are last season's MVP Clint Escamis (Mapúa), league’s second best scorer John Barba (LPU), prized newcomer Winston Ynot (DLS-CSB), and rebounding machine TJ Felebrico (SSC-R).

Both Liwag and Felebrico were also elected to the All-Defense team, with leading shot-blocker Kevin Santos (Letran), top steals guy Wilmar Oftana (EAC), and veteran bruiser JL Capulong (AU) rounding out the five. 

Sorsoganon rookie Chris Hubilla also made the headlines after being called as both the Freshman of the Year and Rookie of the Year, showing off a promising caliber in the collegiate ranks. 

The Bulan, Sorsogon native averaged 13 points, 6.3 rebounds, and close to two assists in his first year in seniors’ basketball.

Six-foot-six John Lorenz Capulong was given the NCAA 100 Most Improved Player after leading Arellano with an upgraded game of 12 points and 6.5 boards per contest.

The San Sebastian Stags, a team built on solid rock and with nerves of steel despite failing to make the Final Four, was given the Sportsmanship Award, duly received by its team captain and Mythical 5 member TJ Felebrico. 

Finally, the Mapúa Cardinals closed the men’s basketball tourney’s last full show with a historical win over the Benilde Blazers. 

They completed their sweep of the Charles Tiu-coached Blazers after two dominant showings– 84-73 in Game 1 and 94-82 in Game 2. Escamis was adjudged the Finals MVP. 

The Season 100 trophy is the Cardinals’ first gold medal finish since their 1991 championship, ending a 33-year drought.