In a remarkable display of talent and hard work, Kevin Quiambao of De La Salle University and Kacey Dela Rosa of Ateneo de Manila University have been declared the Most Valuable Players (MVPs) in the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments respectively for UAAP Season 86.
Kevin Quiambao, a standout player from La Salle, has shown exceptional prowess in the court, averaging 16.71 points, 10.86 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.93 steals, and 0.86 blocks per game. His outstanding performance not only earned him 97.0 statistical points but also made him the first local MVP since Kiefer Ravena in 2015. Quiambao’s achievement is also notable as he is the first local Lasallian to receive this honor since Don Allado in 1999. He was joined in the Mythical Five by his teammate Evan Nelle, as well as players from other universities – Rey Remogat (UE), Malick Diouf (UP), and Ljay Gonzales (FEU). Francis Lopez from UP was named the Rookie of the Year.
On the women’s side, Kacey Dela Rosa, a second-year student at Ateneo, has been instrumental in turning around the fortunes of her team. At just 19, she led the Blue Eagles to consecutive Final Four appearances, a significant achievement considering the team had missed the semifinals in the previous four seasons. Dela Rosa, who was also last season’s Rookie of the Year, recorded an impressive average of 19.57 points, 12.0 rebounds, 2.64 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game, totaling 83.857 statistical points. Her achievement marks the first time an Ateneo player has won the MVP title since Cassy Tioseco in 2006-07. Joining her in the Mythical Team were Josee Kaputu (FEU), Kent Pastrana (UST), Junize Calago (Ateneo), and Tantoy Ferrer (UST). The Rookie of the Year title was awarded to Favour Onoh from UP, who is the fourth player from her university to earn this distinction following previous awardees Camille Dowling, Sai Sadorra, and Justine Domingo.