JONNEL Policarpio captured the MVP of the PBA Season 49 Draft Combine after leading NorthPort/Phoenix to a 61-44 finals win over Meralco/NLEX on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The 6-foot-5 native of Arayat, Pampanga had 14 points in the championship game to cap off his impressive performance in the two-day combine, with his feat also enabling him to pocket PHP 10, 000 as well as increase his draft stock.
Policarpio was joined by Justine Baltazar, Kurt Reyson, Brandon Ramirez, and Jordan Bartlett in the Mythical Five, with all five each taking home PHP 5, 000.
The former La Salle player scored 21 points as well, as NorthPort/Phoenix defeated Ginebra/Blackwater, 90-53, in the semifinals.
Also key in the championship game for NorthPort/Phoenix were Reyson of Letran and Agem Miranda of Jose Rizal University, who had 18 and 17 points, respectively.
“Sobrang blessing at grateful ako na nakuha ko MVP. Bonus lang ‘to. Nagtulong-tulong kami ng mga teammates ko,” said the 23-year-old Policarpio.
Still, Policarpio is not thinking ahead in the perception that his draft stock will rise with his play.
"Para sa akin, ready lang ako kung saan man ako mapunta," he said. "Malaking experience ito kasi nakasabay ko 'yung mga rookies."
Abdul Sawat had a game-high 19 points, while Robbi Darang added 14 points for Meralco/NLEX, which reached the finals even without Jerom Lastimosa during the combine.
The scores (final):
NorthPort/Phoenix 61 – Reyson 18, Miranda 17, Policarpio 14, Catapusan 5, Hanapi 5, Enriquez 2, Arciaga 0, Mosqueda 0, Mahinay 0, Verdugo 0.
Meralco/NLEX 44 – Sawat 19, Darang 14, Garcia 8, Puray 2, Penney 1, Talampas 0, Escandor 0, Jose 0, Santos 0.
Quarters: 19-13; 35-24; 50-34; 61-44.
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