Third time’s a charm.

After finishing a close second in the first two sessions, Jayson Tatum made it a no-doubter in Houston, bringing home his first session Most Valuable Player award.

ESPN’s No. 1 ranked recruit in 2016, Tatum has lived up to every bit of the billing through three EYBL sessions. In four wins, the 6-foot-8 combo guard averaged 26.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.0 steals. His numbers, and the wins, made this a very easy vote.

“I’m very thankful, feels pretty good,” Tatum said, harboring no resentment from barely missing the award the last two sessions. “Those two guys earned it the past two sessions. I’m just happy that I could get it this session.”

Tatum, an EYBL veteran, attributes much of his success to the EYBL season he had in 2014. Starring in the EYBL as a sophomore is tough for anyone, especially if you have a target on your back like Tatum did. He put up impressive numbers, but it was evident that the physical wear and tear of the EYBL was a transition period.

In 2015, Tatum is still the primary focal point of any defensive strategy against the Eagles.  This year, he is the most consistent player in the league. He points to the rigors from last season as the reason for his improved consistency.

“Last year, playing up was tougher,” Tatum explained. “That’s what I really try to focus on, is being consistent every time I play. No drop offs.”

An extremely talented squad surrounds Tatum, highlighted by several high-major division one prospects. The Eagles sit at 9-3 through three sessions, and Tatum knows he wouldn’t be having this amount of success if it weren’t for his running mates.

“My guys have been working very hard,” Tatum said of his teammates. “We’re starting to get our chemistry. We’ve been playing well together lately.”

When talking to Tatum, it’s clear that he is a first-class person off the court. He takes his success in stride and realizes he can always be better. That’s the type of mindset that has evolved Tatum into the top recruit in the country.

If he keeps it up, that evolution should also include another award – the 2015 EYBL Most Valuable Player.