Historic.
That’s the only word to describe Cabs Cabonilas’ senior year campaign with Far Eastern University-Diliman.
Besides leading the Baby Tamaraws to their 10th title in the UAAP High School Boys’ Basketball division, the 6-foot-4 forward also made league history.
For the first time ever, a player was named both the regular season and finals Most Valuable Player.
It’s a feat no one else has achieved — not even UAAP greats like Kai Sotto, Carl Tamayo, Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Jerie Pingoy, or Justine Baltazar.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Cabonilas averaged 15.79 points, 8.86 rebounds, 3.79 assists, 1.79 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game in the season.
He stepped up even more in the finals, putting up 24.0 points, 12.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 2.0 steals across the three-game series.
For the 19-year-old native of Digos City, the achievement is a testament to his teammates and coaches.
“Yung pagkuha ko sa dalawang MVP, hindi para sa akin, para sa coaches, pamilya, at teammates ko ito,” he said after FEU-Diliman’s epic 106-102 win over NUNS in Game 3 of the Finals on Monday.
Mike Reyes, who serves as both head coach of the Baby Tamaraws and basketball program director of FEU, couldn’t help but be in awe of Cabonilas.
“Wala akong masasabi kay Cabs. They played good defense on him. Sabi ko, kailangan natin ma-counter, they’re playing your strong side, kailangan natin maka-atake sa right mo, and nagawa naman niya,” shared Reyes. “There was a leading basket designed for Cabs. I told him, Cabs, desisyon mo na. Kung meron ka, you take it; kung wala, ikaw na mag-decide. It’s your decision.
“Wala kang masasabi sa puso ni Cabs.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
But Cabonilas’ high school journey is not yet over.
Already a two-time UAAP champion in 5-on-5, Cabonilas is now eyeing another title — a second 3×3 crown next month.
After that, he will make his next move.
“Next journey ko, parang… Parang hindi ko pa masasagot ’yan eh kasi parang… parang pag-iisipan ko. Pero sa tingin ko, parang hindi ko muna… Pero tingnan ko muna yung pamilya ko,” he said.
“Enjoy muna. Enjoy muna ako ngayon.”
