Williams leads MVP derby

Sta. Lucia Realty do-it-all forward Kelly Williams may already be out for the rest of the season but he has piled up much statistical points making him among the top contenders for the season's Most Valuable Player award.

Though down with a blood disorder, Williams is in the running for the coveted individual award, giving him a chance at becoming only the fourth PBA player ever to win the MVP honors in two successive seasons.

Should he get it, Williams would join Bogs Adornado (1975-76), Alvin Patrimonio (1993-94) and Danny Ildefonso (2000-01) in an elite cast.

The energetic 6-foot-4 Fil-Am still leads all players in the statistical points race although he's been out since the resumption of the Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference after the All-Star Week where he suffered his health problem.

Through the Fiesta Conference wildcard round, Williams has a league-leading average of 32.2 SPs with Asi Taulava (32.1) closely behind, followed by Arwind Santos (30.6), Jayjay Helterbrand (29.5) and Mark Cardona (29.4).

Making up the next five are Kerby Raymundo (28.67), Philippine Cup Best Player Willie Miller (28.66), Jay Washington (28.6), Dondon Hontiveros (28.4) and Jimmy Alapag (28.2).

Taulava, Cardona, Miller and Alapag have no more chance to improve their stats as their teams have taken the exit in the season.

Rain or Shine teammates Gabe Norwood and Sol Mercado are running one-and-two in the race for the Rookie of the Year award.

Norwood is on top with 26 SPs a game, followed by Mercado (23.6) then Jared Dillinger (21.9), Bonbon Custodio (20.2), Larry Rodriguez (16.8), Jeff Chan (15.8), Beau Belga (14.0), Tyrone Tang (13.5), Rob Reyes (11.0) and Kelvin Gregorio (10.4).

Among the rookies, Norwood, Solomon and Dillinger are those in the top 30 overall, making them contenders for the Mythical First and Second Teams.

Jason Castro is not eligible for the Rookie of the Year award since he has played pro ball with the Singapore Slingers. The former PCU Dolphin is at No. 23 in the stats race, ahead of Talk n Text teammate Dillinger at No. 28.

The league honors the season's top achievers during the Leo Awards set before Game Four of the coming Fiesta Conference finals.