Basketball

Who is Leading the UAAP Season 86 Basketball MVP Race?

By Annika Caniza - October 24, 2023

Place your bets and take your guesses. Who do you think the UAAP Season 86 Basketball MVPs will be?

The first round of the UAAP men’s and women’s basketball tournaments just concluded, and it was not without the drama, excitement, and unpredictability that the fans love about this competition. And with more to win and more to lose in the coming second round, players will undoubtedly be giving everything they’ve got all in the name of school pride.

Which players have been leading the charge so far? Here are the current frontrunners for the UAAP Season 86 MVP race.

Who leads the men’s basketball tournament?

The men’s tournament of Season 86 has seen a number of breakout performances halfway through the elimination rounds. But, one athlete’s numbers in the first round of UAAP basketball has stood out thus far — currently leading the MVP race is De La Salle University’s Kevin Quiambao.

Kevin Quiambao leads the UAAP Season 86 men's basketball MVP race after round 1 of eliminations
Kevin Quiambao leads the men’s basketball tournament MVP race after the conclusion of round 1. (Photo credit: UAAP Media)

Unsurprisingly, the former Rookie of the Year only continues to get better as the games go on. Not only has Quiambao been on the rise, but he has also risen above the rest of the pack. He currently leads the statistical standings, recording 16.9 points, 9.6 rebounds 5.1 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game. All around, he’s earned a total of 84.714 statistical points, according to UAAP’s post-round 1 report.

Apart from the numbers, by simply watching Quiambao in action, it is easy to recognize that the energy of the Green Archers changes when he is on the court. He has definitely become one of the team’s most reliable and influential players, with his ability to read the game, make adjustments, and take control of DLSU’s pace.

Trailing Quiambao in the MVP race is the University of the Philippines’ Malick Diouf, who has been instrumental in the Fighting Maroons’ near-perfect record at the end of round 1 of UAAP. And rounding out the top three of the men’s basketball tournament is another Green Archer, Evan Nelle.

Who leads the women’s basketball tournament?

A similar narrative is unfolding in the women’s tournament. Although UP and NU are leading the standings with just one loss each after the first round — just like the men’s tournament — the current MVP leader after the first round of UAAP basketball is from another team who also happens to be a former Rookie of the Year.

Kacey Dela Rosa leads the UAAP Season 86 women's basketball MVP race after round 1 of eliminations
Kacey Dela Rosa’s numbers put her in the front of the women’s basketball tournament MVP race. (Photo credit: UAAP Media)

Ateneo de Manila University’s Kacey Dela Rosa is currently the frontrunner for MVP. With 18.1 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, 2.1 steals, and 1.4 assists per game, she has accumulated 85.0 statistical points. Though the Blue Eagles are not on the top of the standings, they are not far behind.

Thanks to her high numbers, Ateneo closed the first round with only two losses, tied with UST. On top of this, she was also instrumental in the team’s huge win over the previously undefeated UP Fighting Maroons. With Dela Rosa’s consistency, she is sure to continue impressing as the tournament progresses.

Behind the former Rookie of the Year is fellow Ateneo standout, Jhaz Joson, as well as National University’s Stefanie Berberabe.

Which players do you think will win the UAAP Season 86 MVP awards?

Banner images from UAAP Media.


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