De La Salle University superstar and two-time UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA — De La Salle University superstar Kevin Quiambao is now a two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player (MVP).

The 6-foot-6, one-time league champion received his second straight MVP plum on Wednesday for his individual prowess that powered the Green Archers back to the championship stage.

“Sobrang special na makakuha ng ganitong award. Kumbaga, pinaghirapan ko to,” said the Gilas Pilipinas young stud, who delivered 16.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and a steal for a runaway 81.357 statistical points (SPs), leading all players in Season 87.

“Pero ‘di lang para sa akin ‘to, kundi sa buong La Salle dahil ‘di ko naman makukuha yung MVP kung hindi dahil sa kanila,” added Quiambao, who is the first Lasallian to earn back-to-back MVPs since Ben Mbala (2016, 2017), and the first local to do the same feat since Ateneo de Manila University star Kiefer Ravena (2014, 2015).

READ: La Salle's Kevin Quiambao is UAAP MVP once more

Aside from this, KQ also joined Mbala, Don Allado (1998, 1999), Mark Telan (1996, 1997), and Jun Limpot (1987, 1988), in the list of Green Archers to achieve the award in consecutive years.

"First of all, thank you God, thank you LaSallian community, thank you UAAP community. Hindi ko ito makukuha kung hindi dahil sa culture ng DLSU, yung coaches, managers, players. Nagpapasalamat lang ako and thank you UAAP community. God bless all po," said the 23-year-old from Muntinlupa City in a brief speech after receiving his trophies.

Quiambao also took home the PSBankable Player of the Season award, the Hyundai Exceptional Player honor, and the Skechers Best Performance of the Season, earning a total of P190,000 in cash prizes.

Meanwhile, Quiambao’s teammate Mike Phillips (74.928 SPs) joins him in the Mythical Five, and completing them are the University of the Philippines’ (UP) JD Cagulangan (69.167 SPs), Far Eastern University’s Mo Konateh (68.643 SPs), and University of Santo Tomas’ Nic Cabanero (61.0 SPs).

Konateh was also named the AIA Rebounder of the Season, earning P50,000 in prize money.

On the other hand, the FEU Tamaraws' Veejay Pre rose above his batchmates and was named as the Season 87 Rookie of the Year.
Far Eastern University young star UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Rookie of the Year Veejay Pre. Photo from UAAP Media.The 6-foot-5 Pre made an admirable showing in his debut season, posting 13.3 markers, 7.0 boards, and 1.4 dimes, making him the top rookie with 50.857 SPs.

Pre has now etched his name in the list of famed Tamaraws who also received the ROY citations which includes Terrence Romeo (2010), JR Cawaling (2007), Arwind Santos (2002), Leo Avenido (1999), Mark Victoria (1996), and FEU legend Johnny Abarrientos (1989).

Before the tip-off of Game 2, the Growling Tigers were also given their third-place trophy.

This is the first time UST made it to the podium in the sport since a silver finish in Season 82.

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