Far Eastern University-Diliman’s prized forward Cabs Cabonilas is entering his final UAAP boys’ basketball season with unfinished business.
The Season 87 campaign left a bitter taste for the Gilas Pilipinas Youth forward. Beyond falling short of the MVP award to Kieffer Alas, the deepest sting came from FEU-D’s failure to reach the Finals.
Instead, he and the team settled for bronze after a hard-fought loss to eventual champions University of Santo Tomas Tiger Cubs in the Final Four.
Now in Season 88, the one-time UAAP champion from Season 85 has a singular mission: to leave Diliman the same way he first arrived — wearing gold.
Cabonilas showed that resolve early. On Sunday morning, the Digos City native delivered a stellar performance with 19 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, two blocks, one steal, and the clutch free throws that sealed an 82-78 victory over UST at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.
“Sa akin naman, gagawin ko lang yung lahat. Gagawin ko lang yung best ko at yung pinapagawa ng coaches, gawin ko lang. This year, kailangan ko lang din tulungan yung teammates ko para makuha namin goal naming lahat,” Cabonilas said after the game.
“Oo, defending champion nga UST, kaya pinaghandaan namin sa ensayo ‘yan. Nag-usap-usap din kami ng mga teammates ko na pagdating natin sa UAAP sa first game natin, ibigay namin lahat at mag-focus lang kami para manalo.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Fresh off a Mythical Five selection last season, Cabonilas carries the weight of expectations as one of the tournament’s early MVP favorites. His competition includes top talents like UST skipper Kirk Canete, National University Nazareth School’s Shaun Lucido, and Ateneo’s Noah Banal.
The pressure is amplified by FEU-D’s continuity. With core players Marc Burgos, Jheremy Godoy, and JB Cagurungan returning, the Baby Tamaraws are among the frontrunners to claim the Season 88 crown.
Still, Cabonilas is intent on silencing distractions, focusing on his game, and raising the level of his teammates.
“Magfo-focus lang ako sa sarili ko. Hindi ko titignan ano sasabihin ng iba, basta ang mahalaga sa akin, sundin ko lang yung gameplan at kung ano kailangan namin gawin para manalo,” he declared.
“Whatever it takes.”
For new head coach Mike Reyes — a two-time UAAP juniors’ champion with Ateneo — FEU-D’s depth may not automatically guarantee individual accolades for Cabonilas. Still, it strengthens their collective bid to reclaim the boys’ basketball crown.
“Yung mga veterans from last year, kung napansin niyo, nung endgame, sila nasa loob. But this year, I believe we have a deep bench. That’s why, right now, our scoring is more scattered unlike before,” said the brother of Chot Reyes.
“Dati, halos puro kay Cabs, ngayon, we share the wealth this year. That’s what we’re trying to do now.”
