Tab Baldwin heaped high praise on Kevin Quiambao after De La Salle University handed Ateneo de Manila University a third straight loss, 74-61, in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday night.
Baldwin has coached in the UAAP for eight years and witnessed many exceptional local talents. He compared the versatile 6-foot-6 Quiambao to some of the league’s greats.
“Kevin’s just a really good player. He’s elite in terms of UAAP standards from what I’ve seen over my eight years,” said the American-Kiwi coach after the rivalry game.
“He should be mentioned in the same breath as Carl Tamayo, Thirdy Ravena, and Justine Baltazar. That’s where he’s at, especially when you’re talking about Filipino players.”
When Quiambao led De La Salle to the championship last year, had an MVP season. He averaged 16.71 points, 10.86 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.93 steals per game.
The all-around 6-foot-6 forward became the first local to win MVP honors since Blue Eagle Kiefer Ravena in Season 78.
Ateneo threw their best defensive strategy at Quiambao, deploying a box-and-one to slow down the point-forward.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
It worked to some extent, as Quiambao was held to just 13 points on 4-of-14 shooting from the field, including a tough 1-of-9 from beyond the arc.
However, even on an off night offensively, Quiambao contributed in other areas that make him one of the league’s best players.
The 23-year-old native of Muntinlupa still grabbed 13 rebounds, dished out seven assists, and recorded two steals.
“He deserves the respect he’s getting, and when you play a box-and-one on somebody, that’s one of the highest signs of respect they can get,” added the former Gilas Pilipinas coach.
“He’s nothing but a real force in the UAAP, and every team has to be specially prepared for him.”
