The possibility of a third Rookie-MVP in Season 86 is real, as the UAAP now has *TWO* super rookies in Angge Poyos and Casiey Dongallo.
In UAAP Season 84, National University’s Bella Belen made history by becoming the first Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player.
Just a year later, De La Salle dynamo Angel Canino made history of her own, becoming Rookie-MVP in Season 85.
Now in Season 86, a trifecta of Rookie-MVPs is a possibility with the rise of a new UST star in Angge Poyos. Team record might not get her there, but the stellar debut of UE's Casiey Dongallo means that we might truly be in the era of UAAP super rookies.
After the first round of Season 86, Dongallo and Poyos are far and away the best scorers in the league, leading the pack with 158 and 152 points, respectively.
As the top Tigress of the undefeated UST squad, it's Poyos that has positioned herself for a bounty of rewards at the end of the season, and her status as the UAAP's no. 1 spiker (42.07 percent success rate) and no. 2 server (0.44 per set) certainly support her case.
[RELATED: UST Golden Tigresses lead four statistical categories after first round of Season 86]
Ironically, it's Belen and Canino that have emerged as threats against a third Rookie-MVP in the UAAP. Belen remains an all-around beast, being the UAAP's no. 6 scorer, no. 6 spiker, no. 4 digger, and no 5 receiver. Canino is not too shabby herself, ranking 4th in scoring, 5th in spiking, and 7th in blocking.
But when asked about the possibility of having another Rookie-MVP this Season 86, the pioneer in Belen had nothing but praises for possible candidates in Poyos and Dongallo.
“I'm really happy kasi rookie pa lang sila, ang dami na nilang kayang gawin sa team nila and at the same time, nagco-contribute sila,” Belen told One Sports.
“Parehas ko na silang nakalaban, si Casiey and si Angge, so talagang palaban talaga sila and 'yung fighting spirit, isa ito talaga 'yung pagiging MVP material,” she added.
The reigning Rookie-MVP in Canino likewise couldn’t help but see the competition in the UAAP only getting better as each season passes.
“Sobrang ganda ng pinapakita nila [Angge and Casiey] ngayon, defense-wise [and] offense-wise. I think every season nagle-level up,” said Canino.
“I'm happy for them na para sila maging Rookie-MVP din sa Season 86 and I'm looking forward na more Rookie-MVP pa sa UAAP,” she added.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Casiey Dongallo left in awe of Angel Canino after first-ever encounter]
Every season there's a fresh batch of rookies, but what makes Poyos and Dongallo super, much like Canino and Belen? Well, the NU and DLSU superstars actually discovered a shared element in their playing styles.
“Naglalaro sila ng walang pressure. Kasi 'yun talaga eh, naniniwala ako sa isang player na kapag naglaro ka ng walang pressure, nage-enjoy ka lang, talagang mabibigay mo 'yung best mo. 'Yun 'yung nakikita ko kay Angge and kay Casiey, talagang pag naglalaro sila, nage-enjoy lang sila, iniisip nila kung ano 'yung dapat nilang gawin para makapag-contribute sa team,” said Belen.
“I think 'yung similarities namin is 'yung before kami pumasok is we saw the level and we want na angatan pa kung anong meron and siyempre with all their hard work, sila Poyos, si Dongallo, siyempre hard work din naman nila 'yun, gawa nila 'yun sa sariling pangalan nila,” Canino added.
Poyos and Donggalo share the super rookie tag, but it has been a different road for both so far in Season 86. Angge and UST are still undefeated at 7-0, marking their best start in the Final Four era. Casiey and UE, on the other hand, have been hampered with issues on and off the court as they try to find their footing with a 1-6 record.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: UE super rookie Casiey Dongallo laments timing of coach Jerry Yee’s suspension]
Amid the spotlight, Poyos remains grounded, expressing gratitude for the support and motivation she receives from fans and teammates alike.
And while acknowledging the honor associated with being a possible Rookie-MVP award, the UST rising star remains focused on the task at hand, emphasizing the importance of hard work and dedication throughout the season.
“Siyempre grateful kasi tinatawag nila akong super rookie and dagdag motivation din para sa akin 'yun na madaming nagsu-support and dagdag inspirasyon sakin,” said Poyos.
“Para sa akin, no expectations pero pag binigay naman, grateful pag nakuha ko 'yung award. Sa part ko, need ko lang na mag-trabaho hanggang matapos 'yung second round,” she added.
With the second round set to begin on Wednesday, March 20, expect Poyos and Dongallo to put up even greater performances to solidify their stance as a possible Rookie-MVP candidates.