Aside from the pride of representing Gilas Pilipinas once again, Kevin Quiambao shared that his newborn son, Kevin Vennan, will serve as an added source of inspiration in the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.
Quiambao, who previously represented the Gilas Men’s team during the third to sixth windows of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup, and the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, is eager to share the lessons from his experiences with his son once he grows up.
The reigning UAAP Men’s Basketball MVP will wear the Gilas uniform once more as they face New Zealand on November 21 and Hong Kong on November 24 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“I think ito yung ike-kwento ko sa kanya in the future na nakapaglaro ako ng Gilas then hopefully mkauha rin siya in the future,” the 23-year-old forward told reporters after La Salle’s 77-66 victory over UP on Sunday night.
“Added motivation ito dahil lagi ko sila iniisip palagi, every after game, chinecheck ko sila kung okay lang ba sila palagi. Kahit busy ako sa dami ng training and games, hinding hindi ko sila makakalimutan i-check,” he continued.
As one of the primary catalysts behind the Green Archers’ 12-1 record and top seed with one game left in the eliminations, Quiambao is about to become even busier, juggling academics, UAAP games, fatherhood, and national team duties.
Having a hectic schedule is nothing new for the all-around forward, but Quiambao said the sacrifices and challenges will be worthwhile, especially with the opportunity to play in front of a home crowd in this window.
“Konting pahinga lang saglit sabay back to work na. Tuloy-tuloy lang naman, i-take ko lang ito as an opportunity and a challenge as a player. Number one factor din dito ay yung home court advantage natin. Isa ako sa blessed na mallineup sa Gilas, so isi-seize ko itong opportunity and hinding hindi ko ito papalagpasin,” he shared.
With the final elimination round game against National University on Wednesday, November 13, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, along with managing multiple responsibilities, Quiambao is mindful of avoiding burnout, thanks to La Salle’s strength and conditioning coach.
He hopes to manage both his mental and physical well-being with proper recovery, especially with Gilas’ training camp scheduled to begin on Friday, November 15, at the Inspire Sports Camp in Calamba, Laguna.
“Number one credit diyan is si Coach Miguel Aytona, yung strength and conditioning coach namin. Alam kasi niya kung anong load yung binibigay sa katawan ko. Kumbaga, yung factor ng recovery alam niya lahat. Tiwala lang ako sa system niya, lagi ko sinusunod kung ano gusto niya. If nafi-feel ko na napapagod na ako, nagsasabi naman ako sa kanya. Two-way street kami ni Coach Migs,” he concluded.
