JUST a few hours after losing the UAAP Season 87 Finals, Kevin Quiambao has already made a decision to embark on a more difficult journey. Now, what’s next for the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers?
The time has come, former Rookie of the Year (Season 85) and back-to-back MVP Quiambao has officially confirmed his departure from the Green Archers after three storied seasons.
Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group
With his departure, La Salle holdovers and the Topex Robinson-led coaching staff will be tested on how they can fill the significant void left by their primary player throughout their two championship runs.
However, on the other hand, this major issue that the management will encounter can be seen positively. As the saying goes, when one leaves, another arrives. The Green Archers are only getting started.
Pursuing a life-long dream
In a social media post, Quiambao finally confirmed the suspicions that had been circulating for weeks. He is on his way to the Korean Basketball League (KBL), where he will play for the Goyang Sono Skygunners.
“To the Lasallian Community, OSD, thank you for 3 wonderful seasons, a lot of sweat, tears and sacrifices. Thank you for making me a great Student-Athlete,” said Quiambao, early Monday morning.
The Gilas Pilipinas member also took the time to thank La Salle’s supporters, bosses, and coaches Robinson and Migs Aytona, expressing his appreciation for them and thanking them for unleashing the KQ in him.
“To my teammates, the whole coaching staff, and the management, I can’t thank you enough for your unwavering support. Thank you for believing in me and pushing me to reach my potential. I am so grateful and blessed to have you guys,” he added.
“With that being said, my college career comes to an end. I will pursue my NBA dream and start my journey by playing professional ball in Goyang Sono SkyGunners and developing my game even more,” he added.
Goyang Sono now ranks 10th and last in the KBL rankings, with a 5-13 record. Quiambao is expected to join them during the first week of January 2025. Despite his sorrowful farewell, he is confident that the loss will be avenged.
The Avengers
Now that KQ is gone, the crown is up for grabs as to who will be La Salle’s next leader. Mike Phillips, who has been guiding the squad alongside Quiambao, is certain that he will return to play his final year with them.
Aside from him, the Green Archers will get a much bigger boost in UAAP Season 88, as recruits Kean Baclaan, Jacob Cortez, Mason Amos, and Luis Pablo will be available and ready to avenge their defeat.
Photo Courtesy: Universities and Colleges Athletic League
In the PGFlex Linoleum Invitational Tournament, the Green Archers’ four standouts have performed admirably. Amos was the Finals MVP versus UP’s Team B, scoring 20 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.
Baclaan and Cortez showed potential against the Olivarez College Sea Lions, scoring 23 and 20 points, respectively, a backcourt tandem that DLSU has sorely missed this season after losing Evan Nelle and Mark Nonoy.
Meanwhile, Pablo, a former NCAA Juniors MVP for La Salle Green Hills, received minimal playing time during his rookie season with the Fighting Maroons. This forced him to take his talents and showcase it where they belong.
Despite receiving negative reactions after shopping these players, it is safe to say that in a talented league like the UAAP, finding the perfect pieces will always be important if you want to win.
DLSU’s loss may have been one of the most agonizing, along with a star power exit in Quiambao, but it would just set up an already burgeoning program for an already historic UAAP club.
