By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Filipino-American hoops star Ethan Alvano recently made waves in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) after becoming the first Filipino Asian Quota Player to win the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award on April 1, 2024.
Alvano, the former reinforcement of the San Miguel Alab team playing in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL), averaged 15.94 points, 6.59 assists, 2.96 rebounds, and 1.44 steals per contest to win the MVP award.
His steady contribution in every game led his professional club Wonju DB to a stellar season with a win-loss record of 41-13.
What mostly impressed the KBL committee in considering Alvano’s campaign was Wonju’s no. 1 spot after the regular season, an incredible leap from the last conference where they only finished as a mid-tier team.
Alvano was on a tear during that 54-game campaign and led Wonju to several crucial wins with his clutch shooting and leadership.
Known for his two-way efficiency as a guard, Alvano impressed during the season after putting up crazy scoring performances while capping it off with a defensive masterclass.
After his stint with San Miguel Alab when the ABL decided to push back its plans of a grand comeback, Alvano rendered his services to Hi-Tech Bangkok City and Eisbaren Bremerhaven.
Alvano and Wonju are currently preparing for the KBL playoff round and will be facing the winner between the duel of the Seoul SK Knights and the Busan KCC Egis.
The 27-year-old guard is now in his second season as an Asian import in the KBL. The other Filipinos who are under contract in the professional league are Juan Gomez de Liaño, Migs Oczon, Alex Cabagnot, Joshua Torralba, Rhenz Abando, SJ Belangel, Justin Gutang, Dave Ildefonso, Avan Nava, and Calvin Epistola.
