Sean Chambers sees shades of Vergel Meneses and Kenneth Duremdes in Cabs Cabonilas

When Sean Chambers compared Cabs Cabonilas to Vergel Meneses and Kenneth Duremdes, it was more than just praise. It reveals the vision that Far Eastern University is working to get the UAAP Boys Basketball MVP to be.

The huge references came after Cabonilas made his preseason debut for FEU in the 2026 Filoil Preseason Cup, where he finished with nine points and nine rebounds in a wire-to-wire 83-58 victory over Gilas Pilipinas U18 at the Playtime Filoil Center, May 18.

To say that Cabs entered the collegiate ranks with an impressive resume would be an understatement. The 6-foot-5 standout from Digos City is a two-time UAAP Boys’ Basketball champion and two-time UAAP 3x3 champion with FEU-Diliman Baby Tamaraws. He also made history in his swan song in the UAAP high school division by becoming the first player to win both MVP and Finals MVP honors while leading FEU’s charge towards their 10th UAAP Boys’ Basketball title.

Back in high school, Cabonilas primarily dominated as a power forward, using his size, motor, and intensity inside the paint. Now moving to the Seniors team, he played exclusively in the three spot during his first pre-season game. Coincidentally, both Meneses and Duremdes thrived in similar roles during their decorated PBA careers. "The Aerial Voyager" and "Captain Marbel", 1992 PBA Draft first overall pick and 1995 PBA Draft third overall pick respectively, had both spectacular pro careers. PBA MVPs, BPCs, champions, and most especially on the roll of PBA's 50 Greatest Players.

Sean Chambers, who played against these superstars in their prime years appears to see shades of them in Cabonilas, who immediately looked comfortable embracing his new role with the Tamaraws. As per Chambers, both legends had size, athleticism and great feel for the game which he sees a lot in the 2026 NBTC #1 ranked high school player.

For FEU, this could be the beginning of something bigger than a strong preseason campaign. For Cabs, it marks the early stages of a major evolution in his game. And for the rest of the UAAP, the message is clear. The former high school star is ready and every opponent now faces the same challenge, stop him if they can.