Romwel Anzures

University of the Philippines’ Gerry Abadiano in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Finals. Photo from UAAP Media.

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ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1753675441595UAAP87 MBB - Gerry Abadiano-8768.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="University of the Philippines’ Gerry Abadiano in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Finals. Photo from UAAP Media."/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">University of the Philippines’ Gerry Abadiano in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Finals. <em>Photo from UAAP Media.</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — Gerry Abadiano has continued to display his leadership as University of the Philippines continues its preparations for its UAAP men&#x27;s basketball championship title defense.</p><p>The Fighting Maroons&#x27; team captain was named as the 18th FilOil Preseason Cup MVP following their 79-65 Finals victory over National University on Sunday, with the veteran playmaker scattering 11.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists before the championship stage.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2025/7/27/up-takes-down-national-u-for-historic-3rd-straight-filoil-preseason-crown-1958">READ: UP takes down National U for historic 3rd straight FilOil preseason crown</a></div><p>&quot;&#x27;Di ko naman iniisip &#x27;to. Naglaro lang ako, and nagkataon lang na ganito yung nangyari,&quot; commented Abadiano, who had 13 markers, two boards, and a dime in the Finals vs. NU.</p><p>&quot;I&#x27;m very happy for him. We go way back, so nakita ko mula bata siya until now, nakita ko how he works hard for himself and the team,&quot; hailed State U head coach Goldwin Monteverde.</p><p>UP, which finished as the third seed after the eliminations, took out some of the best squads en route to winning their third straight FilOil crown, defeating College of Saint Benilde in the quarterfinals, and De La Salle University in the semifinals.</p><p>This eventually allowed the Fighting Maroons to create history, becoming the first team to complete a three-peat in FilOil as well as take home the ECJ Perpetual Trophy.</p><p>For Abadiano, however, the hardest battles are yet to come.</p><p>&quot;Hindi pa rin ako titigil. Itong nangyari na ito, blessing ito sa amin, pero bukas, bagong challenge na naman ulit,&quot; said the former NU-Nazareth standout.</p><p>Gone are the likes of JD Cagulangan and Quentin Millora-Brown come Season 88, that is why Abadiano is embracing the task of being the main leader of the Maroons who are looking to finally complete their bid for a repeat.</p><p>&quot;Para sa akin, kailangan ko pang magtrabaho,&quot; he said. &quot;Sa amin naman, kailangan &#x27;wag pa rin kaming makampante kasi ang pinaka-goal pa naman namin is yung UAAP.&quot;</p><div><br/></div><p>RELATED VIDEO:</p><script data-wid="auto" type="text/javascript" src="https://content.viralize.tv/display/?zid=AAFz86TOfDIfqXIe&amp;cid=ABdDA6TbugLkswrh"></script>

<p>Gerry Abadiano has continued to display his leadership as UP continues its preparations for its UAAP men’s basketball championship title defense.</p>

Gerry Abadiano has continued to display his leadership as UP continues its preparations for its UAAP men’s basketball championship title defense.

After historic FilOil 3-peat, Abadiano urges UP to zone in on UAAP goal

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After historic FilOil 3-peat, Abadiano urges UP to zone in on UAAP goal

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 28, 2025 12:59 PM PHT

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18th FilOil Preseason Cup

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