Top 10 UAAP Players of Season 87 (2025)

The UAAP Players of Season 87 defined one of the most exciting campaigns in recent memory. Across basketball and volleyball, stars delivered championship performances, rookies emerged as future icons, and veterans cemented their legacies. From Kevin Quiambao’s back-to-back MVP to Bella Belen’s third straight volleyball crown, these athletes proved why the UAAP remains the premier collegiate league in the Philippines.

Here are the Top 10 UAAP Players of Season 87 who stood out with historic seasons.

Rank	Player	Team	Sport	Award / Recognition	Key Stat Highlight
1	Kevin Quiambao	La Salle	Men’s Basketball	Season MVP (Back-to-Back)	16.6 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 4 APG
2	Mo Konateh	FEU	Men’s Basketball	Rebounds & Blocks Leader	16.7 RPG, 2.3 BPG
3	Forthsky Padrigao	UST	Men’s Basketball	Assists Leader	6.07 APG
4	JD Cagulangan	UP	Men’s Basketball	Finals MVP, Steals Leader	1.75 SPG
5	Mike Phillips	La Salle	Men’s Basketball	Top 3 in Statistical Points	Double-double threat
6	Bella Belen	NU	Women’s Volleyball	3x Season MVP	246 pts, 30 aces
7	Shaina Nitura	Adamson	Women’s Volleyball	Rookie of the Year	371 points (rookie record)
8	Niña Ytang	UP	Women’s Volleyball	2nd Best Middle Blocker	30-point game
9	Cielo Pagdulagan	NU	Women’s Basketball	Finals MVP	Clutch scorer & leader
10	Kacey dela Rosa	Ateneo	Women’s Basketball	MVP frontrunner	22 PPG, 16 RPG, 2 BPG

1. Kevin Quiambao

(La Salle – Men’s Basketball)

Kevin Quiambao led all UAAP Players of Season 87 with his back-to-back MVP campaign. The La Salle forward was unstoppable, averaging 16.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 4 assists per game, while also ranking among the league leaders in steals.

His 33-point performance and rare triple-double showed how complete his game has become. More than stats, Quiambao’s leadership made La Salle a consistent contender. He became only the second player in a decade to win consecutive MVP awards.

Key Highlight: Back-to-back MVP, 81+ statistical points.
Impact: The most complete of all UAAP Players of Season 87.

2. Mo Konateh

(FEU – Men’s Basketball)

Among the UAAP Players of Season 87, Mo Konateh was the undisputed rebounding king. He averaged 16.7 rebounds per game and posted a historic 27-rebound outing, one of the most dominant performances in UAAP history.

Konateh also provided rim protection with 2.3 blocks per game and scored consistently in the paint. FEU relied on his defensive presence to stay competitive against the league’s elite teams.

Key Highlight: 234 total rebounds in one season.
Impact: The most dominant interior presence among UAAP Players of Season 87.

3. Forthsky Padrigao

(UST – Men’s Basketball)

Forthsky Padrigao set himself apart from other UAAP Players of Season 87 as the league’s premier playmaker. He dished out 6.07 assists per game, orchestrating UST’s offense with vision and composure.

Even when defenses keyed in on him, Padrigao still found ways to set up teammates. His court leadership gave UST a fighting chance in every matchup.

Key Highlight: League leader in assists, with 91 total dimes.
Impact: The best facilitator among UAAP Players of Season 87.

4. JD Cagulangan

(UP – Men’s Basketball)

JD Cagulangan earned his place among the best UAAP Players of Season 87 by being named Finals MVP. He anchored UP’s title run, combining defense, playmaking, and clutch shot-making.

Cagulangan averaged 1.75 steals per game, leading the league, while also keeping UP composed in tight situations. His leadership made him one of the season’s defining players.

Key Highlight: UAAP Finals MVP.
Impact: The most clutch performer among UAAP Players of Season 87.

5.Gerry Abadiano

(UP – Men’s Basketball)

The captain of UP’s squad, Gerry Abadiano, had one of his best seasons yet. He complemented Cagulangan by being a reliable scorer and emotional leader, especially in the playoffs. Abadiano’s ability to hit crucial shots and keep the Maroons composed made him one of the standout UAAP Basketball Players of Season 87.

While he may not have had the gaudy stats of Quiambao or Konateh, Abadiano’s value was measured in leadership and poise under pressure. He kept the Maroons locked in from start to finish.

Impact: The most dependable veteran leader this season.
Highlight: Key scorer and captain in UP’s championship run.

6. Mike Phillips

Michael Phillips(La Salle – Men’s Basketball)

While often overshadowed by Quiambao, Mike Phillips carved out his spot among the top UAAP Players of Season 87. His hustle, rebounding, and defensive stops were critical for La Salle.

He consistently ranked among leaders in rebounding and steals for big men, proving his value as a two-way player. Phillips embodied the glue-guy role that championship teams need.

Key Highlight: Top 3 in statistical points.
Impact: The most reliable role player among UAAP Players of Season 87.

7. Kacey dela Rosa

(Ateneo – Women’s Basketball)

Kacey dela Rosa dominated women’s basketball this season, averaging 22 points, 16 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. She was nearly unstoppable inside the paint, scoring at will while protecting the rim.

Her consistency made her the frontrunner for another MVP title. As one of the most feared UAAP Basketball Players of Season 87, dela Rosa elevated Ateneo’s competitiveness and gave her team a reliable anchor in every game.

Highlight: 96.2 SPs in women’s basketball.
Impact: The most dominant female player of the season.

8. Cielo Pagdulagan

(NU – Women’s Basketball)

Cielo Pagdulagan stepped into the spotlight with her Finals MVP performance for NU. Her scoring, composure, and ability to lead in crunch time were key to NU’s women’s basketball championship.

She proved that she could handle the pressure of big games, becoming one of the most dependable guards among all UAAP Basketball Players of Season 87. Her leadership on both ends of the floor solidified NU’s dynasty.

Highlight: Finals MVP, NU’s championship leader.
Impact: The most clutch guard in women’s basketball.

9. Camille Clarin

(NU – Women’s Basketball)

Camille Clarin continued to shine as NU’s consistent scorer and defensive anchor. Known for her perimeter shooting and confidence, she provided balance to NU’s offense and complemented Pagdulagan’s leadership.

Her experience and steady play made her a vital piece of NU’s championship run. Among UAAP Basketball Players of Season 87, Clarin stood out as one of the most versatile guards.

Highlight: Consistent double-digit scorer.
Impact: The most steady perimeter shooter of the season.

10. Favour Onoh

(UE – Women’s Basketball)

Favour Onoh earned her place in the top UAAP Basketball Players of Season 87 through defense. She ranked among the league’s best in rebounds and blocks, often controlling the paint for UE.

While UE did not make a deep run, Onoh’s individual impact was undeniable. She is one of the most promising bigs in the league and a player to watch in future seasons.

Highlight: Top 3 rebounder and shot-blocker.
Impact: The best defensive anchor in women’s basketball.

Conclusion

The UAAP Players of Season 87 defined excellence across basketball and volleyball. From Kevin Quiambao’s back-to-back MVP run to Bella Belen’s historic third volleyball MVP, and from rookie sensation Shaina Nitura to Finals heroes like JD Cagulangan and Cielo Pagdulagan, these athletes showed that UAAP remains the breeding ground of champions.

Their impact wasn’t just on stats — it was about leadership, clutch moments, and inspiring the next generation of UAAP stars. Season 87 will be remembered as a season where the UAAP Players of Season 87 truly raised the bar.

FAQs

1.Who was the MVP among UAAP Basketball Players of Season 87?

Kevin Quiambao of La Salle won his second straight MVP, leading the league in overall statistical points.

2.Who was named Finals MVP in UAAP Season 87 basketball?

JD Cagulangan of UP earned the Finals MVP after guiding the Fighting Maroons to the men’s basketball championship.

3.Who dominated women’s basketball in UAAP Players of Season 87?

Kacey dela Rosa of Ateneo averaged 22 points and 16 rebounds per game, making her the frontrunner for women’s MVP.

4.Which UAAP Basketball Players of Season 87 were known for defense?

Mo Konateh (FEU) dominated with rebounds and blocks, while Favour Onoh (UE) was a defensive wall in women’s hoops.

5.Who were the breakout stars among UAAP Basketball Players of Season 87?

Gerry Abadiano’s leadership for UP and Cielo Pagdulagan’s Finals MVP run for NU stood out as defining performances.