De La Salle University Green Archers main gunner Kevin Quiambao and Far Eastern University Tamaraw Veejay Pre will be named the Most Valuable Player and the Rookie of the Year in the ongoing UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.
Kevin Quiambao’s Historic Back-to-Back MVP Achievement
For the first time since 2017, Quiambao clinched the first-ever back-to-back Most Valuable Player since fellow Green Archers great Ben Mbala won the award back in Seasons 79 and 80. Before that, Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagle legend Kiefer Ravena also won back-to-back MVP awards in Seasons 77 and 78.
At the end of the elimination round, Quiambao finished with 81.357 statistical points, a seven-point lead against the second placer in the race and fellow Green Archer Mike Phillips, who had 74.929 points.
Quiambao posted an average of 16.64 points, 8.64 rebounds, 4.07 assists, and 1 steal per game to seal his back-to-back MVP plum.
Rookie of the Year Award: Veejay Pre’s Breakthrough Performance
For the Rookie of the Year Award, Pre had 50.857 statistical points, ahead of Ateneo’s Jared Bahay who had 47 points, and fellow Tamaraw Janrey Pasaol with 45.143.
Quiambao, Phillips, University of the Philippines Fighting Maroon JD Cagulangan, FEU’s Mo Konateh, and UST’s Nic Cabañero are the mythical five for this season.
Kevin Quiambao’s Basketball Journey: From Humble Beginnings to UAAP Stardom
Before making his name not only in the collegiate league but also on the national team, Kevin used to play in a barangay league in his hometown of Muntinlupa City. Growing up, he looked up to Ateneo’s Ryan Buenafe and Philippine Basketball Association superstar Marc Pingris.
Not long after, his greatness was noticed when he was recruited to play for the Lyceum Philippines University Junior Pirates, but he spent two years playing for the school’s second team. During this phase in his career, then-coach LA Mumar told Quiambao to pattern his game after NBA player Nikola Jokic.
Just in time for the UAAP Season 81, Quiambao transferred to National University Bullpups in the UAAP. In that same season, they defeated the Kai Sotto-led Ateneo Blue Eagles in just two games.
In UAAP Season 82, the Bullpups successfully defended their title as Quiambao was the lone Bullpup in the mythical five. At the end of the season, he averaged 12.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in under 23 minutes per game.
Quiambao’s Growth and Achievements in the UAAP
In UAAP Season 83, Quiambao recorded his first-ever triple-double in the Green Archers’ win against the National University Bulldogs with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 14 assists. He made history again by being the first-ever player to record multiple triple-double performances in a single season when he carried his team past the University of the East Red Warriors with 17 points, 19 rebounds, and 12 assists.
In game three of the finals against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, Quiambao carried his team to the championship with 24 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and two blocks to win their championship since 2016.
Being awarded as both the Season and Finals MVP in the same UAAP Season, Quiambao became the first player to win both awards since PBA Legend won it in 2005.
Between his time representing his school, Quiambao also suited up for the national team which earned praise from the national team head coach and PBA’s most winningest coach, Tim Cone, for his versatility.
Veejay Pre’s Rookie of the Year: A Promising Future for FEU
Called by PBA legendary import and the head coach of the Far Eastern University Tamaraws Sean Chambers “the future of the UAAP and Philippine basketball,” Rookie of the Year Veejay Pre showed his fullest potential in his rookie year with the Tamaraws.
During his time with the Far Eastern University-Diliman Baby Tamaraws, Pre led his team alongside Kirby Mongcopa and JR Pasaol in winning the title back in UAAP Season 85. Pre also led the Baby Tamaraws to the 3×3 basketball championship in the same season.
Now playing in the senior division, Pre took inspiration from his idol, back-to-back UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao.
Award Ceremony for MVP, Rookie of the Year, and Mythical Five
The awarding of the MVP, Rookie of the Year, and the Mythical Five will happen in game two of the finals.
