MPBL: Justine Baltazar brings home second MVP plum

Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) named Justine Baltazar as the 2024 Most Valuable Player, making him the first-ever back-to-back MVP of the league.

Baltazar averaged 15.56 points, 16.0 rebounds, 5.91 assists, and 1.19 steals while playing for 30.44 minutes each game this season. 

The mobile big man also led the Mythical Five selection, together with San Juan Knights' Orlan Wamar, Zamboanga Master Sardines' Jaycee Marcelino, Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards' Will McAloney, and Batangas City Tanduay Rhum Masters' Cedric Abalaza.

Meanwhile, the Second Team were composed of Greg Slaughter of the Manila SV Batang Sampaloc SGA Stars, JP Sarao of the Parañaque Patriots, Robby Celiz of Nueva Ecija, Archie Concepcion of Pampanga, and LJay Gonzales of the Quezon Huskers.

Patriots JR Olegario was chosen as the Best Homegrown Player, Batangas Dawn Ochea was named Best Defensive Players, Rizal Xentromall Lawrence Victoria was the Most Improved Player, and Nikko Panganiban of San Juan got the Sportsmanship Award.

Completing the awardees were Representative Oca Malapitan of Caloocan Batang Kankaloo and Pampanga Governor Dennis Pineda.

Malapitan won the Best Executive award, while Pineda also made a milestone by becoming the MPBL's first back-to-back champion coach.