La Salle’s Quiambao Makes History As Back-to-Back UAAP MVP
Kevin Quiambao of De La Salle University etched his name in UAAP lore as he clinched his second consecutive Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in Season 87, joining an elite group of players who have accomplished the feat since 1960. Quiambao now stands alongside the likes of Allan Caidic, Jun Reyes, Jun Limpot, Ben Mbala, and other legends as back-to-back MVPs, highlighting his dominant and consistent performances in collegiate basketball.
With an impressive 81.36 statistical points (SPs), Quiambao led the Green Archers to another stellar season, averaging 16.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1 steal per game. He registered shooting splits of 38% from the field, 31% from three-point range, and 78% from the free-throw line. His versatility and leadership were instrumental in La Salle’s success, cementing his legacy as one of the finest players in UAAP history, and helping DLSU attain the top seed in the league standings.
Full list of back-to-back MVP winners since 1960:
Allain Caidic, UE (1984-1985)
Jun Reyes, ADMU (1987-1988)
Jun Limpot, DLSU (1989-1990)
Dennis Espino, UST (1993-1994)
Mark Telan, DLSU (1996-1997)
Don Allado, DLSU (1998-1999)
Rich Alvarez, ADMU (2000-2001)
Arwind Santos, FEU (2004-2005)
Bobby Ray Parks Jr., NU (2011-2012)
Kiefer Ravena, ADMU (2014-2015)
Ben Mbala, DLSU (2016-2017)
Kevin Quiambao, DLSU (2023-2024)
Mythical 5 Headlined by Green Archers
Quiambao’s dominance was complemented by his teammate Michael Phillips, who finished second in the MVP race with 74.93 SPs, securing his spot in the Mythical 5. UP’s floor general JD Cagulangan came in third with 69.17 SPs, while FEU’s Mo Konateh (66.64 SPs) and UST’s Nic Cabañero (61 SPs) rounded out the selection.
Notably, UE’s Precious Momowei (67.54 SPs) and UST’s Mo Tounkara (60.15 SPs) ranked fifth and seventh, respectively, in statistical points. However, both players were disqualified from award contention due to suspensions incurred from ejections during the season.
Veejay Pre Wins Rookie of the Year
FEU’s Veejay Pre emerged as the top newcomer, clinching Rookie of the Year honors with 50.86 SPs, ranking 13th overall. The promising forward averaged 13.3 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 assist per game while shooting 40% from the field, 30% from beyond the arc, and 71% from the line. ADMU’s Jared Bahay closely followed with 47 SPs, showcasing the bright future of the UAAP’s next generation of stars.
Women’s Division: Kacey Dela Rosa Goes Back-to-Back
Ateneo’s Kacey Dela Rosa mirrored Quiambao’s feat in the women’s division, winning her second straight MVP award with a staggering 96.27 SPs. The dominant center delivered jaw-dropping averages of 22.1 points, 16 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2.3 blocks per game, while shooting 52% from the field and 74% from the line.
Joining her in the Mythical 5 are Kent Pastrana (UST, 79.86 SPs), Louna Ozar (UP, 67.57 SPs), Sarah Makanjuola (Ateneo, 65.786 SPs), and Angelica Surada (NU, 62 SPs). Ateneo’s Junize Calago, who tallied 67 SPs, was ineligible due to a suspension.
A Season to Remember
UAAP Season 87 was a showcase of elite talent, with Kevin Quiambao and Kacey Dela Rosa leading their respective divisions in historic fashion. Their back-to-back MVP campaigns serve as testaments to their skill, work ethic, and impact on the game. As the season wraps up, fans can look forward to the continued rise of young stars like Veejay Pre, Jared Bahay, and others who will shape the future of the league.
