Top 10 Most Important Players in Season 76 (May Forecast)

First, let me explain what this list is about. This is not the same as the MVP title. In selecting the Most Important Player, I considered the player's impact on her team (how much of a loss she will be to the team if she doesn't play), her impact to the league (how much she'll affect the team rankings) and how well she plays her role in the team. Sounds vague? Well, let's just get on with the list. 

1. Dindin Santiago - Okay. I see some eyebrows rising now. Well, if you need proof, checkout the individual statistics in the Shakey's V-league. This girl is rocking it in almost all aspects. She is still the most lethal middle attacker. Aside from that, she has also improved her blocking and service. All she needs to do is improve her floor defense and she'll be a shoo-in for MVP. But why is she number one in our MIP list? Imagine NU without her. Imagine NU's ranking without her. Exactly.

2. Alyssa Valdez - She is Dindin's top competitor for the MIP spot. I'm still unsure what role she'll be playing in UAAP 76 but she might become Team Captain and be converted to middle hitter. This young girl is also doing well in the service area , scoring aces every now and then. What she needs to improve on now is her blocking and floor defense. Again, why MIP? Well, she's not just a part of the ADMU Lady Eagles team. She IS the team. It's Alyssa De Manila University folks. Without her, ADMU might be joining FEU, UP and UE in the lower half of the UAAP rankings. 

  

3. Abigail Maraño - Two-time MVP? She's the queen! Aby won't be awarded MVP twice for no reason. She is an all-around player. From floor defense to blocking to attacks, she is very reliable. But why only third? Well, as I have said, we also consider her effect on her team. Even without her, DLSU will still have a great performance in the UAAP. Yes, she's an amazing captain but her team is really such a well-oiled machine that can function well even without her.

4. Ara Galang - Aby's co-MVP in Season 75 will also play a huge role in Season 76. Without Michelle Gumabao, Galang will have to up her performance. Like Aby, she's also an all-around player specializing in attacks and service. She will have to improve on her blocking skill though. Gumabao is one of the league's best blocker and DLSU's defense will be affected if no one steps up to her level in the blocking department.

5. Mika Reyes - This popular player is on her way to becoming the Face of Season 76. But don't let her cute, innocent smile fool you, she can score points in the middle in the blink of an eye. Her quick, smart middle hits have been important in keeping the UAAP crown from the Lady eagles. Plus, her blocking skill is also an essential part of the DLSU Block Party. She will be instrumental in controlling the Santiago sisters.

6. Myla Pablo - This girl has been a revelation in the UAAP Season 75. I don't know why but when she attacks, there's a very high probability that the ball won't come back. Is it the angle? Is it the power? Is it the timing? Well, whatever it is, it will make Myla one of the most powerful attackers in 76. She's been UAAP75's Best Attacker and will also win the same award in this year's V-League. She also needs to improve on her floor defense and blocking. Together with the Santiago sisters, they form the deadly NU trio.

7. Jaja Santiago - A rookie in the top ten right away? Why not? Her height is such a big factor in the UAAP 76 games. She will be uncontrollable in attacks and blocking if she gets her game on soon enough. She is already playing well in the Shakey's V-league. In fact, Mika Reyes should already be training harder because she's no longer the most intimidating middle. Jaja can easily win a joust over her. Plus, her choice to study in NU just cemented NU's drive for the finals.

8. Mylene Paat - Who? I'm sure many of you were surprised to see her name here. But if you've been watching the V-league games especially Adamson against National, you'll know why this girl deserves to be included here. With Pau's graduation, Adamson is in dire need of a tall middle who can block as good as Pau. And they got it. Although a newbie to the league, Paat was in a close fight with Ortiz for the Best Blocker award. Plus, she has several months to prepare for S76. AdU will be almost powerless against the taller teams like NU if Paat did not join them.

9. Carmela Tunay - She is UST's strongest spiker based on their V-league performance. In fact, in some of their games, she has been UST's best scorer. Although she's been put in hot water because of her service errors in crucial games, Tunay is still the strongest girl in the UST squad. Without her, they'll be much less powerful. But she has to contribute more for the team than just those open spikes. She could improve her blocking for instance. And yes, her service.

10. Bang Pineda - This girl may not be the tallest spiker but she is able to get her balls across and they seldom come back. Her floor defense is also commendable. She is capable of neutralizing UST's Tunay, NU's Pablo, ADMU's other spikers other than Valdez, and DLSU's other hitters other than Galang. And I know it's not related to the topic but I really admire her for being proud of her sexuality and her partner. Cheers!

So yeah, that's it. But this is just for May. Changes will be made based on their performances and also on your comments so comment away! :D