By: Jerod Orcullo
Lebron Jhames Daep of University of Perpetual Help System DALTA capped off an impressive season by being named the Most Valuable Player of the NCAA Season 100 Juniors Basketball Tournament, cementing his place as one of the high school ranks’ brightest stars.
His outstanding performance — which included averages of 15.44 points, 8.33 rebounds, 1.78 steals, 1.33 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game — helped him become the second consecutive Junior Altas player to win the top individual award, following Amiel Acido’s triumph just a year ago.
Daep’s stellar season didn’t end there.
He was also selected to the Mythical Five, where he was joined by his teammate Jan Roluna, Letran’s Jhuniel Dela Rama, Emilio Aguinaldo’s EJ Castillo, and San Sebastian’s Sanlea Penaverde, who finished as the league’s top scorer, averaging 24.11 points per game.
While Daep shone brightly, Arellano University’s Sean Franco earned recognition as the Defensive Player of the Year, showcasing his defensive skills with 8.33 rebounds, 1.83 steals, and 1.33 blocks per game.
Franco was named to the Defensive Team alongside Daep, Penaverde, Dela Rama, and Mapúa University’s Allan Laurenaria, who took home the Rookie of the Year award after a standout debut season.
Daep’s teammate Jericho Cristino earned the Rookie of the Year award after contributing 10.67 points, 4.11 rebounds, 1.22 assists, and 1.0 steals per game to the Altas.
Meanwhile, Lyceum of the Philippines University was honored with the Sportsmanship Award.
