KYLES Lao is set to be named Rookie of the Year in the UAAP Season 76 men’s basketball tournament after obtaining the most statistical points (SPs) among first-year players out of high school.
The University of the Philippines guard out of Xavier High School tallied 21.6439 SPs, according to an official statistics report provided by Imperium Technology and Smart Bro, to come away with the award for the best rookie in the season.
Lao, who finished third for UP in scoring with 7.8 points and contributed 2.4 rebounds, won the individual rookie award even after the Maroons finished with a dismal 0-14 record this season.
“Kyles Lao is very impressive,” said UP coach Rey Madrid. “He is an intelligent player. Despite his height, he can challenge anybody.
“You better watch out for that guy,” Madrid added.
Only rookies fresh from high school and not those coming out of residency are eligible for the Rookie of the Year award.
Axel Inigo of Adamson and Kib Montalbo of La Salle were also in contention for the award in what was actually a lean year for first-year players out of high school this season.
Charles Mammie, playing in his first year with UE after taking up residency, actually finished second in the Most Valuable Player race but was disqualified from an individual award after incurring a suspension from the league.
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