BEN Mbala, Bright Akhuetie, Soulemane Chabi Yo, Ange Kouame, Malick Diouf, and Collins Akowe will be the only foreign MVPs in UAAP history.
This, after the league implemented a change starting Season 87, introducing the Best Foreign Student-Athlete (FSA) award across all sports where statistical points (SPs) determine individual performance rankings.
This decision, which was actually approved last year, was described the the UAAP to be one that ensures that FSAs who dominate SPs receive proper recognition, while maintaining the prestige of the Most Valuable Player award for the highest-ranked local.
UAAP Exec. Dir. Atty. Rebo Saguisag explained how the new award will work within the league’s framework during the collegiate colleyball press conference, Thursday at Mall of Asia Arena.
“The Best FSA award will be given across all UAAP sports, but only if a FSA finishes as the leader in events where SPs are available," he explained.
"In that case, they will receive the Best FSA award, while the highest-ranking local student-athlete in SPs will be recognized as MVP."
The rule was apparently already in play in the Season 87 basketball tournaments, but La Salle's Kevin Quiambao was so far and away the MVP leader that the Best FSA award was never needed.
In recent history, though, we can get examples in the form of Mbala's back-to-back wins in 2016-17, Akhuetie in 2018, Chabi Yo in 2019, Kouame in 2022 first half, Diouf in 2022 second half, and Akowe last year.
If this rule had been enforced back then, MVPs would have been Jeron Teng (2016), Thirdy Ravena (2017), Alvin Pasaol (2018), Justine Baltazar (2019, 2022 first half), Forthsky Padrigao (2022 second half), and Kieffer Alas (2023).
UAAP explanation
FSAs will still continue to be eligible for other individual awards, such as selections to Mythical Teams in their respective sports. Additionally, international student-athletes who previously studied in a Philippine high school can still qualify for Rookie of the Year honors.
“The reason behind this is to ensure that we properly recognize both our local and international student-athletes, while maintaining the spirit of the league’s competition,” Saguisag added.
“By implementing the Best FSA award, we ensure that if an FSA leads the SPs race, they are duly recognized, while still allowing a local student-athlete to be awarded MVP.”
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