Nueva Ecija’s Michael Mabulac was honored as the Most Valuable Player of the 2021 Chooks-to-Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Invitational, Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
It was a close race between Mabulac and Bicol-LCC’s Mac Tallo but it was the former who got the nod.
Mabulac, who was also the 2021 Chooks-to-Go VisMin Super Cup Finals MVP, averaged 13.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists during the pool phase. The 6-foot-4 native of Dasmarinas, Cavite led the Rice Vanguards to a 4-0 slate in Group C.
“Hindi ko talaga ‘to inexpect,” said the 30-year-old product of Jose Rizal University. “Talagang blessed ako ngayong taon na ito at sana makuha namin yung championship.”
Tallo averaged 17.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in the pool phase.
Joining Mabulac and Tallo in the All-MPBL team are Imus-Buracai De Laiya’s Adi Santos (12.2 points, 12.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists), Pasig-Sta. Lucia’s Fran Yu (11.2 points, 4.4 assists, 3.2 rebounds), and Basilan-Jumbo Plastic Medical Depot’s Michael Juico (19.0 points, 3.8 assists, 6.5 rebounds, 1.0 steals).
Marikina’s Ato Ular was crowned as the Defensive Player of the Tournament, averaging 10.5 defensive rebounds per game.
