Willie Miller
It’s “Miller time” once again.
The Alaska Aces’ Willie Miller earned his second Most Valuable Player citation after being named MVP of the 2007 Philippine Basketball Association season in elaborate ceremonies at the Araneta Coliseum.
Not only did Miller lead in statistical points, he was the unanimous choice of the voters. He won the media votes (1,005), the player votes (218), the ABC-5 vote (600) and the PBA vote (300).
“Wala ito (MVP award),” said Miller. “Championship ang mas importante. Pangit syempre kung individual award lang. Malungkot ang mga masama mo kaya malungkot ka rin. Kailangan may championship muna.”
Miller, described by Alaska coach Tim Cone as his scoring import, was instrumental in the Aces’ rise this conference. He was the one player Alaska invariably went to when the Aces needed to score points.
Miller also led the Mythical first team. Others members include Gary David of Air21, Kelly Williams of Sta. Lucia, Jay Washington of Talk N Text and Dorian Peña of San Miguel Beer.
Chosen to the Mythical second team are Wynne Arboleda of Air21, Macmac Cardona of Talk N Text, Arwind Santos of Air21, Danny Ildefonso of San Miguel Beer and Yancy de Ocampo of Talk N Text.
Williams was also named Rookie of the Year. David was chosen Most Improved Player and also brought home the Sportsmanship Award.
Members of the All Defensive Team are Nelbert Omolon of Sta. Lucia, Santos, Harvey Carey of Talk N Text, Wynne Arboleda of Air21, and David.
Cardona, named Best Player of the Conference last Wednesday, was a far second to Miller in the MVP derby. Miller earned 2,671 points while Cardona had less than half with 1,283 points. David was third with 1,019.
Santos placed second to Williams in the Rookie of the Year race. San Miguel Beer’s LA Tenorio was third.
Miller earned the award during elaborate ceremonies before the start of Game 4 of the 2007 PBA Fiesta Conference championship.
