DESPITE not having their main man Kevin Quiambao in practices for the next two weeks due to his Gilas Pilipinas stint, the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers still sees this opportunity as a win-win situation for them.
Despite some startling losses, the Green Archers are dominating the league and are on track to make another UAAP Final Four appearance in Season 87’s Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group
All thanks to the reigning UAAP Season 86 and Finals Most Valuable Player, Quiambao, who is now dominating this season’s MVP race after playing his heart out and leading the team to the most of their spectacular victories.
One factor contributing to the 6-foot-7 all-around player’s development is his exposure to numerous foreign plays while remaining committed to the championship system provided by the Taft-based university.
A busy year for KQ
Quiambao is not the type to turn down an opportunity when it presents itself. The La Salle star has had a busy year with plenty of international exposure, which has helped him improve his skill even further.
KQ led the Strong Group Athletics in Dubai, was called up for Gilas Pilipinas’ stint in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, the first window of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, and another window later this week.
Aside from that, he has a lot to cope with this season as the Green Archers attempt to defend their title, while also having ligang labas play on the side, and his responsibilities as a father.
Quiambao has had a number of experiences this year that have helped him approach playing the sport in a more holistic way. Seeing this passion as a bridge to a greater future that will provide a better living for his family.
Win-win situation
Despite Quiambao’s heavy workload, DLSU head coach Topex Robinson remains supportive. The tactician saw these opportunities as a win-win situation for the Green Archers team.
“Looking at the brighter side of things, I think this is a good time for us to see ourselves not having KQ, not being so dependent on him, which we’ve done a few times during the course of the elimination round,” he said.
“It’s going to be a win-win. Physically, KQ’s not going to be with us, but try to also imagine the sacrifice that he has to make.”
“When we committed to that Gilas call-up in January, we know that the challenge is going to be him being away from his family, him being in the bubble, but there’s so much to gain,” he stated.
Photo Courtesy: Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas
Aside from Quiambao, another upcoming Green Archer, Mason Amos, received another call-up from the national team. Putting more emphasis on why these young guns should seize these opportunities.
“Even Mason [Amos] was also called up galing sa amin. That’s one of our contributions to our national program. And sabi ko nga, minsan lang mangyayari ‘yung opportunity na yun and it’s really a no-brainer to bring them there.”
Preparation meets opportunity
KQ has kept his vow to dedicate hours of hard practice to preparing his play and body for when the perfect opportunities present itself. This time, despite needing to juggle multiple worlds, he succeeds.
“Number one credit ko diyan si Migs Aytona, yung S&C coach namin. Alam niya kasi kung anong load ‘yung bibigay sa katawan ko, kung magdedeload ako, hanggang sa factor ng recovery alam niya lahat,” Quiambao said.
“Tiwala lang sa system niya, lagi ko lang sinusunod kung ano gusto niya. Kung naffeel ko napapagod ako nagsasabi naman ako sa kanya, two-way street kaming dalawa ni coach.”
Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group
Robinson has no concerns about KQ’s commitment to taking care of his body and honing his craft. He believes that his Gilas experience will only make him sharper when he returns before the Final Four.
“He’s so invested in his preparation. He invests sa kinakain niya so I’m not worried about it. Sabi ko nga enjoy it because once lang mangyayari sa buhay mo, you’re representing not only La Salle but also his country,” Robinson said.
The Green Archers are still waiting to see who they will meet in the semifinals, as either the UE Red Warriors or the Adamson Soaring Falcons will qualify for the remaining Final Four slot.
Regardless, the defending champions will have Quiambao back and a critical twice-to-beat advantage when they return to defend their title early next month.
Meanwhile, Quiambao and the rest of the Gilas Pilipinas team will open a two-game homestand against New Zealand and Hong Kong on Thursday, Nov. 21 and 25, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
