No slowing down for PBA's new MVP

MANILA, Philippines - As he emerged the Commissioner’s Cup Best Player of the Conference, Ginebra star Mark Caguioa was motivated to go all the way to win the season MVP award.

And having won the MVP honors, Caguioa is now looking forward to the next season, determined to play every inch like a true MVP through his reign.

He wants to give credence to the honors bestowed on him during the 2012 PBA Leo Awards at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday night before Game Four of the season-ending Governors Cup finals.

“Because the MVP is now in my hands, I have to train harder. I don’t want to experience those experienced by other former MVPs, slowing it down after winning the award,” said Caguioa.

He didn’t exactly say, though, that he would pursue back-to-back MVP awards – a rare feat achieved only by three players in Bogs Adornado (1975-76), Alvin Patrimonio (1993-94) and Danny Ildefonso (2000-01).

Also awaited is his reaction on the message posted by national coach Chot Reyes on his Twitter page.

“Congrats Mark the Spark! National team uli! Call me maybe?” twitted Reyes after Caguioa was named the season’s best.

Caguioa was with Reyes’ national team that placed ninth in the 2007 FIBA Asia championship in Tokushima, Japan.

Surely, he’s still savoring the sweetness of his triumph.

“Katabi ko ang girlfriend ko pagtulog, siguro ngayon eto (his MVP trophy) muna,” said Caguioa before leaving the Big Dome Sunday.

Caguioa bagged his first MVP award at 32 and in his 10th season in the league – a year to remember even minus a championship or a crack at it.

Only fourth placer in the stats race, Caguioa zoomed to the top in winning the balloting among the media, the players and league officials. Caguioa garnered a total of 2,399 points as against Gary David’s 1,891, James Yap’s 1,417 and Arwind Santos’ 1,087.




The four together with Ranidel de Ocampo composed the Mythical First Team while Jayson Castro, Paul Lee, Jeff Chan, Sonny Thoss and Kelly Williams comprised the Mythical Second Team.

Santos, Chan and Lee won other awards with Santos making the All-Defensive Team for the sixth straight season, Chan copping the Most Improved Player plum and Lee named the Rookie of the Year.

Beaten by Lee for the ROY trophy, Jayvee Casio didn’t go home empty-handed, reaping the Sportsmanship Award.

Doug Kramer, Marc Pingris, Jireh Ibanes and Ryan Reyes clinched spots in the All-Defensive Team with Santos. Pingris earned his fifth defensive team citation while Reyes his fourth.

Source: Philstar