A day after playing his final game for Far Eastern University-Diliman, Wilhalm “Cabs” Cabonilas has made his decision on where he will take his talents in college.
The 6-foot-5 all-around forward has committed to stay with Far Eastern University.
The 19-year-old from Digos City, Davao del Sur, said the chance to reunite with his former Baby Tamaraws teammates and the goal of helping end the Tamaraws’ 11-year title drought were key factors in his decision to remain with FEU.
“Actually, yun po yung decision ko po. Gusto kong makasama yung dating teammates ko nung Season 85, sila Kirby (Mongcopa), (Janrey) Pasaol, Jedric (Daa), sila Yosef (Rañeses) at sila (Marc) Burgos. Kasi feel ko po dito, maga-guide ako ng mga kuya ko,” said Cabonilas.
“Masaya rin po ako dito kasi nandito talaga sa FEU yung puso ko.”
Cabonilas is one of the most decorated student-athletes in the UAAP high school ranks. He has won two 5-on-5 basketball titles and two 3×3 championships, including a “golden double” in Season 88.
He also became the first student-athlete in the boys’ basketball division to win both the regular season MVP and Finals MVP awards.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
During his Grade 12 campaign, Cabonilas averaged 15.79 points, 8.86 rebounds, 3.79 assists, 1.79 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game in the regular season.
He elevated his play in the three-game finals series against National University-Nazareth School, averaging 24.0 points, 12.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 2.0 steals to lead FEU to its 10th title in the division.
In 2024, he also represented the country as part of Gilas Pilipinas Boys in the FIBA Under-18 Asia Cup.
“We’re beyond excited that Cabs is taking his talents to FEU!” said Tamaraws head coach Sean Chambers. “This is a huge moment for the entire FEU community. The high school MVP choosing to stay home, represent his roots, and continue his journey with the Tamaraws says everything about what this program stands for.
“Homegrown, loyal, and built from within. To see a player who was developed within the FEU system stay and carry the torch at the next level is the ultimate reward for the years of hard work, trust, and commitment poured into our program,” he added.
“FEU family — we’ve got something special. The future is bright.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Cabonilas believes he fits well into Chambers’ system.
“Actually, si Coach Sean, ina-adjust talaga niya yung laro ko para sa college. Gustong-gusto rin niya na tuloy-tuloy yung laro ko na tres o quatro ako. Pero kailangan ko pa rin gawin nang tama yung mga pinapagawa niya sa akin at makikinig ako sa kanya,” shared Cabonilas.
Looking ahead to his collegiate career, Cabonilas said he feels determined to continue improving and contribute more to FEU’s program.
“Sa college, doon ko ipapakita yung talent ko at yung best ko. Hard work pa rin ako at gagawin ko pa rin yung mga dapat gawin nang tama,” said Cabonilas.
