Dropping its first three games in the 92nd season of the NCAA, the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates needed an inspiration or two to get things going in their campaign.
They got just that and so much more in rookie Ian Alban.
Alban put up a string of impressive performances as he led the Pirates to wins over the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers and the College of Saint Benilde Blazers after a sluggish start to the tournament.
For his exploits, he was named the ACCEL Quantum Plus-3XVI NCAA Press Corps Player of the Week award.
Alban scored 19 points, including 10 in the final quarter, in their 69-66 upset victory over the Heavy Bombers before following that up with a 21 point performance against the Blazers to put the Pirates back in the middle of the standings with a 2-3 record.
For Alban, there was no way he was let the opportunity slip the moment he was given the chance to prove his worth. And in an effort to show that he’s not a one-game wonder, the 21 year old guard worked even harder after his breakout game and it paid off dearly for him.
“Last game nung JRU, tinext kagad ako ni Coach Topex na huwag ako makuntento sa isang magandang laro,” Alban said.
“Every practice after nun, mas hinihigitan ko pa yung practice ko para magtuloytuloy yung laro ko.”
Alban’s performance as of late was so impressive that he bested San Beda College Red Lion Davon Potts for the plum.
Potts put up 31 points in their 101-86 comeback win against Arellano University but Alban’s back to back good games were just too much to overcome.
