Romwel Anzures

Far Eastern University-Diliman and UAAP Season 88 boys’ basketball MVP Wilhalm Lawrence “Cabs” Cabonilas. UAAP Media.

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<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1773674687053UAAP88 HSBB - CABS CABONILAS-1002.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Far Eastern University-Diliman and UAAP Season 88 boys’ basketball MVP Wilhalm Lawrence “Cabs” Cabonilas. <em>UAAP Media.</em></span></span></span>MANILA — Wilhalm Lawrence “Cabs” Cabonilas is already on cloud nine, but the presumptive UAAP Season 88 boys’ basketball MVP and the 2026 NBTC’s top-ranked high school player is aiming for even greater heights.</div><p>The 19-year-old star from Davao has helped steer Far Eastern University-Diliman back to the promised land, where the Baby Tamaraws will face National University Nazareth School for a chance to reclaim the crown.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/3/15/uaap-cagurungan-lifts-feu-diliman-past-ateneo-into-boys-basketball-finals-1432">READ: Cagurungan lifts FEU-Diliman past Ateneo, into boys&#x27; basketball Finals</a></div><p>But even before Cabonilas and company return to the battlefield, the 19-year-old admits that being the frontman of a program as established as FEU&#x27;s is something he once could only imagine.</p><p>“Hindi ko in-expect na ganito yung mga nangyayari sa akin,” said Cabonilas on the sidelines of the 2026 National Basketball Training Center pre-tournament press conference on Monday in Pasay.</p><p>It was only two years ago when the 6-foot-5 forward played a supporting role to the likes of Veejay Pre, Janrey Pasaol, and Kirby Mongcopa when FEU-D triumphed over University of Santo Tomas in the Season 86 Finals.</p><p>Since then, the former Gilas Pilipinas youth standout has transformed himself into the cornerstone of the Morayta-based squad’s future — should he stay — which is why Cabonilas is simply soaking in the experience.</p><p>“Malaking bagay at experience rin po ito,” he said. “Sa NBTC, first time ko lang ito.”</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Charging forward amid pressure</strong></div><p>Cabonilas also acknowledged that being under a brighter spotlight is an unfamiliar position, but he is fully embracing the weight that comes with it — leading FEU-D’s redemption bid.</p><p>“Medyo nape-pressure ako. Pero ilalaban ko lang nang ilalaban,” he said.</p><p>And that is where his focus remains for now, as Cabonilas would rather savor the moment with his teammates than think about the lucrative collegiate offers waiting for him, offers that are there regardless of whether the Baby Tamaraws win the Season 88 title or not.</p><p>“Hindi ko muna iniisip yun,” said Cabonilas, who is being eyed by multiple top programs from both the UAAP and the NCAA. “Ang focus ko lang muna talaga yung this season. Tiyaka na po ako magde-decide kung saan ako.”</p><p>“At yung sa MVP ko naman, hindi naman yun para sa akin. Para yun sa teammates ko. Sila yung tumulong sa akin, kasama mga coaches ko,” he added.</p><div><strong></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong> <script data-wid="auto" type="text/javascript" src="https://content.viralize.tv/display/?zid=AAFz8gWM8iRADsJr&amp;cid=AB0neZh9YKNwbpy4"></script></div>

<p>Cabs Cabonilas is already on cloud nine, but the presumptive #UAAPSeason88 boys’ basketball MVP and the 2026 NBTC’s top-ranked high school player is aiming for even greater heights.</p>

Cabs Cabonilas is already on cloud nine, but the presumptive #UAAPSeason88 boys’ basketball MVP and the 2026 NBTC’s top-ranked high school player is aiming for even greater heights.

UAAP MVP, NBTC’s top-ranked Cabonilas embraces pressure with greater heights ahead

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UAAP MVP, NBTC’s top-ranked Cabonilas embraces pressure with greater heights ahead

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published March 16, 2026 11:52 PM PHT

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Updated March 16, 2026 11:53 PM PHT

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Basketball

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UAAP MVP

Cabs Cabonilas

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