Top high school prospect Wilhalm “Cabs” Cabonilas is staying with FEU, officially committing to join the men’s basketball squad.
After days of speculation that Cabonilas might explore other collegiate teams following his championship run in UAAP Season 88 boys’ basketball, the FEU Tamaraws confirmed on their official Facebook page that he will remain in Morayta.
Cabs Cabonilas: A Certified Winner and Champion
The FEU Diliman standout is best known for his impressive résumé of prestigious high school awards and championships.
In addition to winning Finals MVP, Cabonilas captured two 3×3 titles and two 5‑on‑5 championships with the FEU Baby Tamaraws. Most notably, the 19‑year‑old made history as the first student‑athlete in the boys’ basketball division to win both the regular season MVP and Finals MVP awards.
During his Grade 12 campaign, Cabonilas averaged 15.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game in the regular season. He elevated his play in the three‑game finals series against National University‑Nazareth School, averaging 24.0 points, 12.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 2.0 steals to lead FEU to its 10th title in the division.
In 2024, he also represented the country as part of Gilas Pilipinas Boys in the FIBA Under‑18 Asia Cup.
“Homegrown, Loyal, and Built from Within”
FEU Tamaraws head coach Sean Chambers praised Cabonilas not only for his accolades but also for his loyalty.
“Homegrown, loyal, and built from within. To see a player who was developed within the FEU system stay and carry the torch at the next level is the ultimate reward for the years of hard work, trust, and commitment poured into our program,” said Chambers, a former PBA import.
“This is a huge moment for the entire FEU community. The high school MVP choosing to stay home, represent his roots, and continue his journey with the Tamaraws says everything about what this program stands for,” he added.
FEU Now a Final Four Contender?
With Cabonilas’ commitment, FEU is firmly in Final Four conversations heading into UAAP Season 89.
The Tamaraws will also have Season 88 MVP Janrey Pasaol, double‑double machine Mo Konateh—who is performing well in AsiaBasket—and second‑year star Kirby Mongkopa.
With these young talents locked in, FEU could emerge as the new dark horse in the title race this December.
