Being named Most Valuable Player in the UAAP is even sweeter the second time around for Kevin Quiambao.
The 6-foot-6 do-it-all forward from De La Salle University is the presumptive MVP of the Season 87 collegiate men’s basketball tournament after topping the statistical points (SP) race following the elimination rounds with 81.357.
Quiambao averaged 16.64 points, 8.64 rebounds, 4.07 assists, and 1.0 steals in 14 games played, earning his second consecutive MVP award.
However, this achievement means even more now that Quiambao has a son.
“For me, sobrang special na makakuha ng ganitong award. Kumbaga, pinaghirapan ko to. Nilaan ko ito sa family ko before magstart ng season, dito sa team namin, mas madami pa yung time na magkasama kaming mag-teammates, yung coaches, kesa sa family namin,” said the two-time MVP awardee.
“So extra motivation na paglaki ng anak ko na may masasabi ako sa kanya na may nagawa ako sa UAAP, pero ayun nga, kumbaga, antayin ko lang siya lumaki, sana soon siya naman maging Lasalista,” he added, dedicating this latest feat to his son Kevin Venann.
Quiambao already had pending offers from Japan, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia, among others, after De La Salle University’s championship run in Season 86. However, he chose to return to Taft for one more year, and this has been the result so far.
Now, the Green Archers are set to face the UP Fighting Maroons once again in the Finals, where Quiambao also aims to go back-to-back.
The 23-year-old from Bayanan, Muntinlupa, however, did not take all the credit for the award. He shared the recognition with his teammates, coaches, and the people behind the scenes.
“Big role dito yung buong teammates, yung buong coaching staff, yung management. Di ko naman makukuha yung MVP kundi dahil sa kanila. Kundi dahil sa tulong nila. Sila yung nag-uuplift sa akin every time. Pag may mga down moments ako, sila yung nandiyan para sa akin,” Quiambao shared.
“Yung inner circle namin, doon lang ako nagbabase palagi. Yung MVP, di lang ako, lahat kami, even the coaches. Credit sa lahat dito sa amin. Alam ko trinabaho ko to, pero trinabaho rin nila kung paano kami nakarating dito. Nonetheless, excited makuha yung award, pero di ko naman goal yun eh. Ang goal ko ay mag-champion.”
Game 1 of the Finals is set for December 8 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Game 2 will be on the 11th at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, and if the series goes the distance, the deciding Game 3 will be on the 14th at the Big Dome.
