New season, new teams, new players, welcome back to another season of Muslim Basketball! Last season we saw amazing talent week by week as the top players in the division played their hearts out trying to lead their teams to glory. These players went the extra mile for their team and without them on the court their teams would fall in shambles. The effect they have on the court can be seen through both what does and does not show up on the stat sheets; it's the little things they do that help fuel the fire of their teams. Through their leadership and great play, week in and week out, they hope to do everything in their power to elevate their teams to the next level. These aren't any ordinary players, these are MVP caliber type of players. Welcome to this week's edition of the KP MVP Ladder.
1. Omar Abbassi, Islamabad
Walking into the gym fresh off a JAMS football championship and Muslim Basketball MVP season Big O looked like a man with some unfinished business hungry for more. He had a solid game against Granada facilitating for him teammates and leading his team to victory and then bullied Damascus this week. He's averaging 12 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. Islamabad is in good hands and they're just getting started.
2. Abdul Mutaleb Popal, Sana'a
The scoring champ returns on a new team with a better supporting cast. Sana'a is off to a great start winning both of their games and Abdul has a lot to do with that. He posted two 30+ games already and is averaging 32 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3 assists while shooting nearly 50% from the field. Abdul's on a mission this season after being on a winless team he's hungry and ready to use his talent to push Sana'a forward.
3. Jon DeJesus, Lahore
Jon's off to a hot start himself leading his team to an early 2-0 record while averaging 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists while also shooting nearly 50% from the field. This guy's a straight up baller and has experience playing on a championship team in D1 so he definitely knows what it takes to get a team to the promise land. He's off to a hot start and is leading this group of guys to some great wins. This team has the potential to be very scary as they improve their chemistry.
4. Jonathon Mingo Jr., Beirut
Jon's back and already in mid-season form averaging 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists through 2 games. He's shooting an amazing 75% from the field and looks like he's got his team in the driver's seat this season. Could this be the year Beirut makes it all the way back to the big game? So far so good, Jon and Nick have been doing big things for this team. Look for them to continue their hot streak as the season goes on.
5. Patrick Jaramillo, Kazan
Aside from the horrible shooting game he had in Week 2, Patrick is looking like the piece Kazan was missing last time around. He opened up the season pouring down shots and finishing with 39 points and is averaging 27.5 points, 12 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. If he can get hot again and knock down his shots with Mark by his side this team will accomplish big things.