“Stop looking for excuses” – Ben Mbala on MVP nod

The MVP

Ben Mbala on Wednesday, was officially named as the UAAP Most Valuable Player for the second straight season, and it was by a landslide, based on the statistical points that serve as the criteria.

He averaged 26.0 points, 13.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.5 blocks for La Salle in the eliminations, amassing 96/5833 statistical points.

However, backlash to the announcement came immediately, with fans and certain players voicing out their desire to split the MVP award for locals as well as for "imports."

In the aftermath of being bestown the award and securing the Game 2 win, he found these criticisms aimed towards him as "funny."

The big man says, "It's pretty funny, you know, 'cause since I've been here, I've seen a local guy win MVP, even with, like they call us, imports." He adds, "Like, there's (Kiefer) Ravena had back-to-back, Bobby (Parks, Jr.) had back-to-back, so if you're good, you'll get it. Right now, I just feel like they're looking for excuses."

The transfer from Southwestern University also cited CJ Perez, who was named as the NCAA MVP for its 93rd season, beating out foreign student-athletes like Donald Tankoua of San Beda and his teammate in Lyceum, Mike Nzeusseu.

Ben also shared, "It doesn't matter if you're Filipino or foreign student-athlete. If you work for the MVP, then you will (get it.) If not, don't look for excuses like divide it in local and foreign. It's pretty unfair. That is not how it was supposed to be." (c/o Kim Karlo Castro)