A student, an athlete, and now a father.
Kevin Quiambao officially became a dad on Tuesday night when his partner, Faye Aguila, gave birth to their first child at Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Muntinlupa.
Juggling three important aspects of his life – studies, basketball, and fatherhood – will certainly be challenging.
Still, the reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player is grateful for the full support of the De La Salle University coaching staff.
“I think mahirap na i-balance yung oras, pero I will try my best na makapag-focus sa dalawang aspect, sa basketball aspect and sa life aspect,” said the 23-year-old point forward.
“Nandiyan naman yung coaches, binibigyan nila ako ng freedom kung may kailangan sa bahay hindi nila ako pinagpa-practice.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Quiambao’s commitment to both his son and the Green Archers was on full display on Wednesday night during La Salle’s 68-62 win over Far Eastern University.
Despite having no sleep before the game due to the birth of his son, Quiambao nearly achieved a triple-double. He finished with 12 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, and three steals.
“Surreal feeling. Halos hindi ako pinatulog, to be honest. Hindi ko ma-explain, sobrang saya ko. Worth it lahat ng pinagpuyatan ko kasi coming into this game wala akong tulog,” said Quiambao, who was with Aguila last night during her labor.
Green Archers head coach Topex Robinson expressed his belief in Quiambao’s ability to balance all the important aspects of his life.
Robinson and the entire coaching staff were aware of Quiambao’s situation before Season 87 began, which is why the second-year La Salle tactician has always emphasized that “This is not KQ’s team.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Well, it’s one of the things that we’ve discussed prior to the season. We know that he’s gonna be in and out; sometimes he’s not gonna be in practice, and sometimes he might even miss games,” Robinson, a sure godfather to Quiambao’s child, explained.
“That’s why we always say that KQ is just a part of us but he’s not the whole of us. We’re always gonna have guys that are gonna step up and guys that are just waiting for the opportunity in case we have KQ in and out.”
He added, “I guess we just try to support and protect each other, and again, having the common goal is always gonna be important. Whoever the next guy is after KQ.”
