Devero takes MVP in UFO Bud Cup

 Wingman Ivan Devero of back-to-back champion MAFEA/Ali’i Konflikt claimed the coveted MVP trophy in the UFO Inter-Organization Basketball Friendship League 2011 Bud Cup, while MDX/Armatech’s James Abuy and the Jets’ Ezra Caro notched the same award in the masters and youth divisions of the Docomo Pacific Cup.

Devero stepped up big time in the playoff round, averaging 24.3 points in the three matches in the playoffs. He also averaged in double figures in the regular season, but posted only close to 12 points per match. The Ali’i Konflikt gunner fired 26 markers in their 79-77 win over VisMinda, 27 in their 108-88 semis victory against Cavite, and 20 in their 94-80 triumph versus the favored Proa in the finals.

The high-flying Ali’i Konflikt player also made it to the Mythical Five, joining teammates Elmer Esdrelon and Jawn Joyner and Proa’s Dan Barcinas and Jack Lizama. Surprisingly, Proa’s Pete Iguel, who tallied more than 30 points in several games in the regular season before being held to 16 markers in the finals, missed the Mythical Five selection. Jun Estolas of Bayani/Mobil was also not on the list after making it to the elite group in the past years. Also not included on the list was last season MVP Kae Bernardo of Cabalen/Noni, which walked out of its quarterfinals match against Bayani.

In the masters division, three players of champion MDX/Armatech were selected to the Mythical Five Team, including eventual MVP James Abuy, Bernard Montano, and Bruce Berline. Completing the selection were Edsel Mendoza and Tony Diaz of runner-up Cabalen Wings Travel.

The youth division had a surprised MVP winner in Caro, who beat teammates Sahj Hossain and Eugene Manglona for the prestigious award. The Jets trio made it to the Mythical Five, joining Filcag Rollers’ Travis Eubanks and Brandon Aulerio. MDX/Armatech top scorer Matthew Duenas missed the selection, but was present to receive the fourth place trophy.

The AFP/Jets of coach Leo Canedo took home the championship trophy, while Filcag Rollers and Samahang Ilokano at Pangasinense were awarded the runner-up and third place trophies.

Docomo Pacific general manager James Nelson, Budweiser/MARPAC’s Melvin Tenorio, Philippine Consul General Medardo Macaraig, and UFO officials teamed up in presenting the awards to winners last Saturday night at the FilCom Pavilion in Susupe.