FEU’s Cabs Cabonilas Signs with adidas Philippines
Cabs Cabonilas has signed a multi-year endorsement deal with adidas Philippines, adding one of the country’s most promising young basketball names to the brand’s growing local roster.
The development was confirmed by Diego Dario, sports marketing consultant for adidas, who said Cabonilas stood out to the brand not only because of his talent and resume, but also because of the qualities he has shown early in his career.
“Cabs is an elite talent,” Dario said in an exclusive interview with ALL-STAR.
“Only player to win UAAP MVP and Finals MVP in one (high school) season. Athletic, high upside but more than anything it’s his character. His loyalty to FEU, his commitment to the craft, his humility to know that there’s more work to be done, and his desire to win. These are the reasons why Cabs is special, he’s a champion and a winner. Excited for this partnership and what Cabs can do in the next level.”
Cabonilas is coming off a superb run with FEU-Diliman, where he led the Baby Tamaraws to the UAAP Season 88 boys’ basketball championship and became the first player in UAAP boys’ basketball history to win both regular-season MVP and Finals MVP in the same season.
He averaged 15.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.5 blocks in the regular season, then raised his production in the Finals as FEU-D completed its title run.
His move to the seniors gives FEU another major young piece as head coach Sean Chambers continues to build the team’s future around athletic, versatile, and competitive players.
Dario said Cabonilas has already been wearing adidas basketball shoes, including the Believe That 1s and Hardens. The brand has also given him a Gilas pair, with hopes that he will wear them when he plays 3×3 for Gilas U-21.
The signing also strengthens adidas’ connection to FEU basketball. Dario mentioned UAAP men’s MVP Janrey Pasaol as another important name tied to the brand’s growing presence around the Tamaraws.
“Together with UAAP MVP Janrey Pasaol, FEU will be in good hands [with adidas],” Dario said.
Cabonilas’ deal is another sign of adidas Philippines’ continued push in the country’s basketball scene. Over the past year, the brand has strengthened its national-team presence through its partnership with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas as the official outfitter of Gilas Pilipinas, covering the men’s, women’s, youth, 3×3, esports, and grassroots programs.
The brand has also been active in signing and supporting Filipino basketball talent. adidas previously signed Gilas big man AJ Edu to a multi-year deal, while Jacob Bayla, Juan Gomez de Liaño, Javi Gomez de Liaño, and other local standouts have also been part of the brand’s basketball push.
Kevin Quiambao also became the first Filipino basketball player to receive an adidas player-edition shoe through the Adizero Select 3.0 “KQ63,” while Andy Gemao has continued to represent the brand in international basketball spaces, including the adidas Eurocamp.
The signing of Cabs adds another next-generation piece to adidas’ Philippine basketball portfolio. Cabonilas brings a rare combination of winning, upside, loyalty, and marketable character — traits the brand has clearly identified as part of its local basketball direction.
