CREAM OF THE CROP: Quiambao set to collect second straight MVP title

De La Salle University star Kevin Quiambao is on his way to bagging a second straight Most Valuable Player (MVP) title after dominating the statistical race after the elimination round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.

Quiambao stood out among a strong and talented field with his stellar performance which fueled the defending champion Green Archers into the No. 1 seeding and twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.

The Gilas Pilipinas forward amassed 81.357 statistical points (SPs) after submitting impressive numbers in 14 games.

He posted a league-best 16.64 points, 8.64 rebounds, 4.07 assists. 1.0 steal and 0.21 block per game.

The 23-year-old La Salle standout will be the first local player to win back-to-back highest individual awards since Kiefer Ravena did the feat in 2014 and 2015 while playing for Ateneo de Manila University.

Quiambao is the fifth Green Archer to win the MVP twice since Ben Mbala (2016-17), Don Allado (1998-99), Mark Telan (1996-97) and Jun Limpot (1987-88).

La Salle’s Mike Phillips finished second behind his teammate with 74.929 SPs, averaging 12.0 points, 11.57 rebounds, 1.71 steals, and 1.07 blocks for his second Mythical Five inclusion since his first selection in Season 84.

University of the Philippines JD Cagulangan landed third with 69.167 SPs as he powered the Fighting Maroons into the semifinals as second seed with norms of 11.75 points, 5.0 assists and league-best 1.75 steals.

Gambian center Mo Konateh earned a spot on the list with 68.643 SPs while University of Santo Tomas’ Nic Cabañero barged into the top five with 61.0S SPs.

Konateh averaged a league-high 16.71 rebounds and 2.3 blocks with 10.21 points per game while Cabañero had 16.29 points, 5.43 boards and 1.93 assists per outing.

Nigerian Precious Momowei of University of the East was fifth in the race with 67.538 SPs but was ineligible from winning any individual award following his one-game ban during the elims.

Meanwhile, Far Eastern University’s Veejay Pre is set to receive the Rookie of the Year award after collecting 50.857 SPs built on his averages of 13.29 points and 7.0 rebounds.

Pre, the first Tamaraw to win the honor since Terrence Romeo in 2010, edged out Ateneo’s Jared Bahay (47.0 SPs), teammate Janrey Pasaol (45.143 SPs), Blue Eagle Kristian Porter (37.0 SPs) and La Salle’s Doy Dungo (30.154 SPs).