Rookie forward Mac Belo underscored his readiness in the pro level after leading Blackwater to a franchise-best 2-0 start in the season-opening PBA Philippine Cup.
Playing like a grizzled veteran, the 6-foot-4 Belo averaged 21 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals in the Elite’s back-to-back victories over Phoenix and 2016 Governors’ Cup runner-up Meralco to start the season.
His sterling effort made him the hands-down choice for the Accel-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the league’s 42nd season.
The former Far Eastern University standout bested a bevy of candidates for the weekly award led by three-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo and Alex Cabagnot of San Miguel Beer, GlobalPort’s high-scoring guard Terrence Romeo, TNT’s Ranidel de Ocampo, sophomore big man Bradwyn Guinto and Sean Anthony, both of NLEX.
Snagged by Blackwater during the special draft for Gilas players, Belo delivers outright.