La Salle’s Kevin Quiambao during the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Kevin Quiambao was officially named MVP for the second straight year moments before La Salle’s do-or-die Game 2 against University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
After another masterclass season with 81.357 statistical points after averaging 16.64 points, 8.64 rebounds, 4.07 assists, and a steal in the elimination round, Quiambao became the first Green Archer to win back-to-back MVPs since Ben Mbala in 2017.
LIVE: UAAP Season 87 basketball Finals Game 2 – La Salle vs UP
Quiambao became the first local to win two consecutive MVPs since Ateneo guard Kiefer Ravena in 2014 and 2015. Jun Limpot (1987-88), Mark Telan (1996-97) and Don Allado (1998-99) are the only other Archers to bag successive MVP awards.
FEU’s Mo Konateh, the league’s best rebounder, receives his mythical 5 trophy. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/ZXYYcEBUsz
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) December 11, 2024
The Season 85 UAAP Rookie of the Year also headlined the Mythical Team anew after beating his closest competitor and teammate Mike Phillips, who earned his second selection since Season 84.
Graduating UP guard JD Cagulangan, who hopes to get over the finals hump again, was also part of the Mythical Team with Far Eastern University’s foreign-student athlete Mo Konateh and University of Santo Tomas star Nic Cabanero.
READ: Kevin Quiambao wins second straight UAAP MVP
Veejay Pre became the first Rookie of the Year from FEU since Terrence Romeo, the seventh Tamaraw to win the plum, joining Johnny Abarrientos (1989), Mark Victoria (1996), Leo Avenido (1999), Arwind Santos (2002), and JR Cawaling (2007).
Quiambao looks to redeem himself after a silent second half in La Salle’s 73-65 loss in the finals opener on Sunday.
Quiambao brought home a total of P 200,000 — 190,000 from three special awards and 10,000 from his mythical team selection.
Phillips also earned P30,000 from a special award, while Konateh received 50,000 for being the best rebounder of the season.