Not all collegiate greats get the ending they yearn for.
Remember the heartbreaking end to Alyssa Valdez’s senior year? Or Marck Espejo’s final season? It’s the same for La Salle junior Kevin Quiambao.
On the eve of the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball Finals Game 3, the 23-year-old all-around forward posted on his Instagram story:
“Locked and loaded for Game 3. Last game wearing the green and white.”
La Salle’s strength and conditioning coach, Miguel Aytona, also paid tribute to his valued player, saying, “Last G-day. It’s been an honor, king.”
Though the signs were there, Quiambao chose to stay quiet about what will come next for him.
“For me, papahinga muna ako ngayon. I think I have until this December. Pahinga muna ako and I don’t know what’s next,” he said.
“Pahinga muna.”
After all, the grind hasn’t stopped for Quiambao. From playing for La Salle and Gilas Pilipinas to balancing sports, academics, and fatherhood, it’s been a long year.
“For now, ayoko muna isipin. Pahinga muna ako kasi eight months ako nag-ba-basketball. Tuloy-tuloy at straight,” he continued.
Quiambao will only get a few more weeks to spend with partner Faye Aguila and their newborn son, Kevin Vennan, before flying out to his next destination.
Yes, just days after New Year’s Day, Quiambao will head to Korea to formally sign with KBL team Goyang Sono. He will get only a few training sessions with the Skygunners before making his pro debut.
Goyang Sono has long had an interest in Quiambao, seeing him as a potential asset to the franchise. However, Quiambao couldn’t sign with the Skygunners just yet as it would affect his eligibility – similar to the situations of Carl Tamayo, who signed with Ryukyu after Season 85; and Dave Ildefonso, who signed with Suwon KT after Season 85.
Last season, the Skygunners finished eighth with a 20-34 record, and this season isn’t looking much better, as they are currently in last place with a 5-13 slate.
Quiambao’s UAAP career may have ended with 13 points, four rebounds, three turnovers, and a 62-66 loss to UP, forcing La Salle to settle for silver.
But that doesn’t erase the fact that Quiambao will go down as one of the greatest UAAP student-athletes ever.
He is a two-time UAAP Men’s Basketball MVP, a member of the UAAP Season 82 Boys’ Basketball Mythical Team, the UAAP Season 85 Rookie of the Year, a two-time Mythical Team selection, and a champion in both boys’ and men’s 5-on-5 basketball, as well as men’s 3×3 basketball.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
