Kevin Quiambao admitted to playing in a “ligang labas” game last weekend, a move that has stirred some controversy amid his busy schedule in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament.
While leading the De La Salle Green Archers to a league-best 12-1 record and securing the top seed for the Final Four, Quiambao has been juggling practices, games, academics, the responsibilities of fatherhood – and, more recently, participation in unsanctioned leagues.
The 23-year-old forward, who will soon represent Gilas Pilipinas in the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, quickly addressed rumors about the money he supposedly earned from these games.
He explained that his participation was driven by his commitment to his newly-formed family and his gratitude toward the owners of Vista Laiya.
A TikTok video surfaced showing Quiambao playing for Team Laiya in an unsanctioned game against Enverga Lucena, alongside former PBA player Marvin Hayes.
“For my family, ginawa ko ‘yon. Pero yung ganon kalaki na halaga, hindi totoo yon, never, never. Hindi naman ako tumatanggap ng ganon kalagi na halaga kasi utang na loob ko yon sa Vista Laiya na pinaglaruan ko dahil malapit sila sa akin,” Quiambao told reporters.
“Taga Las Pinas sila, malapit ang Las Pinas sa Alabang. Simula bata ako, inalagaan nila ako,” he went on.
Despite the backlash from some netizens – especially with the UAAP season in full swing and La Salle facing heightened scrutiny – Quiambao plans to use the criticism as motivation to elevate his game for the Green Archers, Gilas Pilipinas, and his family.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Hindi naman natin ma-control kung ano masasabi nila and kung ano emotions nila sa akin, but ang kontrolado ko lang is kung ano ang pwede kong gawin. Kumbaga, keyboard warrior lang naman yan ‘eh,” the former NUNS Bullpup asserted.
“Wala naman ako mapapala diyan, wala ako matututunan diyan. Pero once na nakikita ko yung comments nila, added motivation ‘yon na kailangan ko mag-strive for me and then yung resulta na ang bahala sa kanila.”
Quiambao is not concerned with regards to it affecting his eligiblity, as per league rules, “There are no prohibitions preventing student-athletes or sports teams from participating in other tournaments or leagues while competing in the UAAP.”
This rule has been in effect in this form since 2021.
Additionally, a joint resolution by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) has set clear guidelines to distinguish between professional and amateur athletes.
GAB-PSC Joint Resolution No. 2020-01 clarified that a Filipino athlete is only considered a professional once they earn a living through their sport.
Though safe from league sanctions, Quiambao always seeks the blessing of La Salle’s management, coaching staff, and head coach Topex Robinson before participating in any unsanctioned leagues.
Robinson and the coaching staff only have one reminder for their star forward: to take care of his body, both physically and mentally, as La Salle strives for its second consecutive UAAP men’s basketball title.
“Lahat ng galaw ko pinapaalam ko sa management namin, kay Coach Topex, sa lahat ng coaching staff. May basbas naman sila na ingatan mo ang sarili mo kasi ang number one rule namin sa team ay use your judgment,” Quiambao concluded.
“Kumbaga, kung ano yung gusto mong gawin sa buhay, gawin mo lang, basta yung team nakasalalay diyan sa lahat ng gagawin mo.”
