Best of RP collegiate caging feted tonight

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Manny V. Pangilinan leads the guests when the UAAP and NCAA Press Corps together with Smart pay tribute to the finest performers in varsity hoops tonight in the 2008 Collegiate Basketball Awards at the Manila Pavilion.

Pangilinan, a leading patron of UAAP champion Ateneo and three-time NCAA titlist San Beda, will be the guest of honor in the 7 p.m. event also to be attended by top sports and school officials including SBP vice chair Ricky Vargas and Smart Sports head Patrick Gregorio.

But taking center stage are Norman Black of the Blue Eagles and Frankie Lim of the Red Lions, who were named Coaches of the Year after guiding their respective teams to the championship.

Ateneo’s Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Chris Tiu, San Beda’s Sam Ekwe, La Salle’s JV Casio and San Sebastian’s Jason Ballesteros also earned spots in the elite Mythical Team, the highest player commendation from the scribes covering the collegiate beat.

The Philippine Collegiate Championship League, meanwhile, will unveil its search for the best collegiate squad in the country during the awards night sanctioned by the Philippine Sportswriters Association and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Harbour Centre, Burger King, Nike, Hapee Toothpaste, Magnolia Health Tea and Magnolia Fruit Drink.

Former Ateneo stalwart Danny Francisco will deliver an inspirational speech to the awardees including University of Santo Tomas’ Jervy Cruz (Scoring Champion); Ateneo’s Nonoy Baclao (Sultan of Swats), Eric Salamat (Energy Player), Tiu (Super Senior) and Al-Hussaini (Sudden Impact); San Beda’s Ogie Menor (Mr. Extra Effort), Pong Escobal (Court General) and Ekwe (Chairman of the Board); La Salle’s Rico Maierhofer (Sixth Man); and Mapua’s Neil Pascual (Super Senior).

Ric dela Cruz of the Journal Group of Publications will also be honored posthumously.