With the UAAP’s new system for individual awards preventing foreign student-athletes from winning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) honor, a new frontrunner has emerged in the race.
Far Eastern University-Diliman’s Cabs Cabonilas currently sits second in the statistical points (SPs) rankings with 90.429—just 17.714 behind National University Nazareth School’s Cameroonian big man, Collins Akowe.
Despite the development working in his favor, the 18-year-old forward from Digos City, Davao del Sur, remains focused on his game.
“Trabaho lang ng trabaho at focus lang sa goal,” said Cabonilas after FEU-Diliman’s 75-44 victory over Ateneo on Sunday, which snapped their two-game losing streak and solidified their hold on solo third.
“Ganun pa rin e. Makinig lang sa coaches ko.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The 6-foot-5 Cabonilas has been a consistent force for the Baby Tamaraws, averaging 15.11 points, 10.67 rebounds, 4.22 assists, 2.33 steals, and 1.22 blocks per game.
Should he go on to claim the MVP award, no one would be prouder than his head coach, Denok Miranda.
Miranda, who has been with the FEU basketball program since Season 85, has always admired Cabonilas’ relentless work ethic since he arrived in Diliman a few years ago.
“Yung character ng batang ito, talagang trabaho lang. Walang pakialam ‘to—since rookie pa lang ‘yan, ganun na ‘yan. Dumating ‘yan sa FEU, fifteen years old pa lang, walang ibang ginawa ‘yan kundi magtrabaho. Nandun lahat ng praise sa kanya pero napaka-humble pa rin. ‘Yan yung fruit ng tinatanim niya—’tong mga sacrifices at tinatrabaho niya. Character-wise, napakabait ng batang ito. Ayaw naman natin ng dagdag pressure pero alam naman namin na kaya niya,” said Miranda, a true Tamaraw himself.
Still, he hopes that Cabonilas keeps his focus on the bigger goal—winning the championship.
“Ang goal lang naman is manalo every game at mag-improve siya every practice,” said Miranda.
