Romwel Anzures

Far Eastern University’s Lawrence Cabonillas. Photo from UAAP Media.

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ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779174145579IMG_0883.webp" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Far Eastern University’s Lawrence Cabonillas. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA — Sean Chambers knows a thing or two about the icons of Philippine basketball, and the PBA legend sees the makings of another in Lawrence “Cabs” Cabonilas.</div>The Alaska Milk pillar compared Cabonilas to Vergel Meneses and Kenneth Duremdes, with Chambers raving about how his incoming rookie possesses the same prowess that “The Aerial Voyager” and “Captain Marbel” once brought to the wing.“He was actually my favorite non-Alaska player, and that’s what I see in him — Vergel during his heyday, and even Kenneth Duremdes,” said Chambers after their 83-58 victory over Gilas Pilipinas Youth in the 19th FilOil Preseason Cup on Monday.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/5/5/uaap-high-school-hoops-mvp-cabonilas-stays-home-commits-to-feu-1724">READ: UAAP high school hoops MVP Cabonilas stays home, commits to FEU</a></div>Cabonilas saw limited action in his seniors debut, logging nine points, nine rebounds, an assist, and a steal in just over 19 minutes.What impressed Chambers, however, was how the 6-foot-5 rookie already showed flashes of brilliance despite being utilized at small forward, not the power forward spot where he won the UAAP Season 88 high school MVP.“[Cabonilas] has the size, the feel for the game, so we’re also encouraging him to shoot the three-ball, do things off the dribble,” said the former PBA Best Import awardee.Chambers acknowledged that there is still a lot of work to be done for Cabonilas to not only live up to his potential, but also translate that into wins for the Tamaraws, who are seeking to return to the Final Four in Season 89.But the Gilas men’s deputy coach is confident the 19-year-old is capable of doing so, especially with the patience that comes with Cabonilas’ talent.“Guys like that, they practice so hard, too, so he’s only going to get better,” he said. “I’m just going to empower him, and let him do the rest.”

Sean Chambers knows a thing or two about the icons of Philippine basketball, and the PBA legend sees the makings of another in Lawrence “Cabs” Cabonilas.

Sean Chambers knows a thing or two about the icons of Philippine basketball, and the PBA legend sees the makings of another in Lawrence “Cabs” Cabonilas.

UAAP: Chambers sees traces of two PBA legends in FEU rookie Cabonilas

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UAAP: Chambers sees traces of two PBA legends in FEU rookie Cabonilas

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 19, 2026 03:22 PM PHT

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Basketball

UAAP

NCAA

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NCAA Season 102

UAAP Season 89

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Sea Chambers

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