Kevin Quiambao formally secured his second consecutive Most Valuable Player (MVP) award a few minutes before De La Salle University faced University of the Philippines in Game 2 of their University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament best-of-three series yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Quiambao, a versatile 6-foot-7 forward, emerged as the best player of Season 87, joining an elite group of student-athletes who have won the prestigious plum for two consecutive years.

He now stands alongside Jun Limpot (Seasons 52 and 53), Mark Telan (Seasons 59 and 60), Don Allado (Seasons 61 and 62) and Cameroonian Ben Mbala (Seasons 79 and 80) as among the Green Archers who took home the plum in back-to-back seasons.

Other UAAP products who have achieved the rare feat include Allan Caidic of University of the East (Seasons 47 and 48), Jun Reyes of Ateneo de Manila University (Seasons 50 and 51), Dennis Espino of University of Santo Tomas (UST) (Seasons 56 and 57), Richard Alvarez of Ateneo (Seasons 63 and 64), Arwind Santos of Far Eastern University (Seasons 67 and 68), Bobby Ray Parks Jr. of National University (Seasons 74 and 75), and Kiefer Ravena of Ateneo (Seasons 77 and 78).

In his third year, Quiambao posted impressive averages of 16.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game, leading the league in statistical points with a total of 81.357.

But if Quiambao would have it his way, he would rather have the UAAP title rather than an individual accolade.

“Of course, I’m excited to receive the award. But that’s not my goal. My goal is to be a champion,” said Quiambao, who is leading the Green Archers in Game 2 at press time.

“I depend on our inner circle. This MVP is not just for me, it’s for all of us, even the coaches.”

This Yamaha-backed award adds to Quiambao’s list of UAAP achievements, which includes being part of the UAAP Season 82 boys’ basketball Mythical Team, winning the UAAP Season 85 Rookie of the Year, earning two Mythical Team selections, and securing championships in both boys’ and men’s 5-on-5 basketball, as well as men’s 3x3 basketball.

Joining Quiambao in this season’s Mythical Team is his La Salle teammate Mike Phillips, who is making his return to the prestigious selection after missing it the past two years.

Rounding out the squad are JD Cagulangan of the University of the Philippines, Mohamed Konateh of FEU, and Nic Cabañero of UST.