Kevin Quiambao Leads UAAP MVP Race, Poised to Make History

Photo sources: UAAP Media Team

La Salle’s Kevin Quiambao is on track to win his second consecutive UAAP men’s basketball MVP award, based on the latest statistical points (SPs) computations by local statistician Johann Medina who’s been monitoring the race.

This would make Quiambao the first player to achieve back-to-back MVP honors since Ben Mbala (La Salle, 2016-2017) and the first local to do so since Ateneo’s Kiefer Ravena (2014-2015).

The second-year forward has been dominant all season, finishing the elimination round with a league-best 81.36 SPs. His consistent all-around play, including scoring, rebounding, and playmaking, has been critical in propelling La Salle to its current position as a championship contender, maybe the favorite.

Quiambao’s teammate, Mike Phillips, follows closely in second place with 74.93 SPs. Phillips, known for his rebounding and rim protection, has also been instrumental to the Green Archers’ success. The tandem of Quiambao and Phillips has given La Salle a formidable frontcourt presence, a key factor in their 12-2 elimination round campaign.

Key Contenders and Mythical Five Picture

UP Fighting Maroons’ JD Cagulangan is third with 69.17 SPs. The veteran guard’s leadership and clutch performances have helped UP attain a fifth straight twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.

Far Eastern University’s foreign student-athlete Mo Konateh ranks fourth with 68.64 SPs. His energy and scoring have been pivotal for the Tamaraws, who ended their season on a good note despite missing the Final Four.

UST Growling Tiger Nic Cabanero rounds out the Mythical Five with 61 SPs, continuing to solidify his status as one of the league’s brightest stars.

Teammate Forthsky Padrigao (58.71 SPs) and La Salle’s Joshua David (54.79 SPs) are sixth and seventh.

Notable Movers and Rookie Standouts

The rest of the top ten are NU’s Jake Figueroa (53.57 SPs), UP’s Quentin Millora-Brown (52.77 SPs), and UP’s Francis Lopez (50.93 SPs).

FEU’s Veejay Pre (50.86 SPs) is poised to win the league’s Rookie of the Year plum.

Looking Ahead

With the elimination round concluded, all eyes now turn to the Final Four. While Quiambao’s statistical dominance gives him a strong claim to the MVP award, team success in the playoffs could further elevate his legacy.

If Quiambao secures a championship and another Finals MVP, it will add another chapter to La Salle’s storied history of basketball excellence, while also establishing him as one of the most accomplished local players in recent UAAP memory.

The official UAAP awards will be announced in the coming days, but based on the numbers, Kevin Quiambao stands tall as the favorite to make history.