As Kevin Quiambao’s career in the UAAP may have reached its end, he is already looking ahead to the future of De La Salle University – especially with the talented players waiting to step up.
Quiambao’s La Salle team fell short in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament, 62-66, to returning champion University of the Philippines.
Afterwards, he shared his optimism about the team’s prospects. He also remained noncommittal about returning next season as a Green Archer.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Excited ako with what the future holds,” said the back-to-back Most Valuable Player awardee.
“Excited ako na nandiyan na si Kean Baclaan, Jacob Cortez, Luis Pablo, at Mason Amos. I don’t know (if kakampi ko pa rin sila) pero for sure they will be scary next season.”
In what could be his final UAAP game as a Green Archer, the Gilas Pilipinas member scored 13 points and grabbed four rebounds. One major talking point was his benching at the 5:13 mark of the payoff period.
He returned with 1:48 remaining, but La Salle failed to close the gap or tie UP’s three-point lead.
For him, though, what’s done is done. He harbors no hard feelings, especially towards his mentor, Topex Robinson, with whom he shared a heartfelt hug after the game.
“What if? Wala naman. Tiwala lang ako kay Coach Topex since day one. Medyo nagkaroon lang ng ano sa inupo ako kasi akala ko one-minute lang pero di problema sa akin. Kapos talaga. Talo is talo. Move on na,” said Quiambao.
“I’m proud of all my teammates. Yung hard work na ginawa nila since day one, grabe kasi sobrang dami naming pinagsamahan nung off-season, throughout the whole season. Basta mahal ko silang lahat.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Now that the season is over, Quiambao will prioritize rest and reflection this December.
After eight months of continuous basketball, he plans to take time to slow down. Though the result didn’t go his or the Green Archers’ way, he remains proud of their effort in reaching the finals.
He also encouraged those who will return next season to push even further.
“I’m so proud of my team. Win or lose, blame it on me. Ako may kasalanan sa lahat ng ito. I take ownership sa lahat ng ginawa ko. Sobrang proud kasi nakarating kami ng finals decider game three. It’s a surreal feeling for me and the whole team,” said the UAAP Season 85 3×3 and Season 86 5×5 gold medalist.
“Medyo kinapos pero babawi sila.”
