CLIMBING to the top of the UAAP’s best is never easy.
However, despite being in the early stages of his promising UAAP career, DLSU Green Archers sophomore standout Kevin Quiambao has demonstrated that anything is possible.
Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group
Just when everyone thought the UP Fighting Maroons would be the undisputed victors of the Season 86 Men’s Basketball tournament, the DLSU Green Archers emerged victorious, claiming their first championship in seven years.
MVP Quiambao led the Green Archers to a 73-69 winner-take-all triumph, dropping a monstrous 24 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and two blocks to bring the Taft-based squad to their 10th men’s basketball title.
KQ’s path to DLSU
Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group
Kevin Quiambao began his basketball career after being recognized at a barangay league and was recruited to play for the Lyceum Junior Pirates. He didn’t make the roster for the next two years, instead spending time with Lyceum’s Team B.
KQ then joined the NU Bullpups in 2016, a squad led by UP Fighting Maroons head coach Goldwin Monteverde. KQ had previously had the experience of being the greatest of the best throughout his high school years.
The versatile forward was previously a UAAP Season 81 and 82 Juniors winner, and he was also recognized as a member of the UAAP Season 82 Juniors Mythical 5 squad, demonstrating that he has a bright future ahead of him.
Quiambao took his talents to Taft after leaving the Bullpups and pledged to play for the Green Archers. However, the pandemic interrupted his debut, forcing him to wait patiently till the UAAP begins its play.
Quiambao maintained in shape by participating in a number of Filipino basketball leagues in Dubai. The 6-foot-7 all-around player made a strong first impression in his rookie season, earning the title of Season 85 Rookie of the Year.
This season, KQ became the first player in UAAP history to record multiple triple-doubles in a single season, averaging 14.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and two blocks per game.
He was then designated Mythical 5 member and won both Season and Finals MVP in the same season in which they won the championship.
It was a successful season not just for the Green Archers, but also for the sophomore standout. Despite his brief UAAP career, he has proven to everyone that he was born to succeed and has exceeded all expectations.
What comes ahead for KQ?
After what appears to be a great season for the Green Archers, the biggest issue for all UAAP fans is if Kevin Quiambao will still play in Season 87 next year.
Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group
In a live TV interview, the sophomore forward said to the Green Archers’ community, “Salamat sa suporta mula nung first round, one more year!”
However, when confronted by the media following the game, King Archer quickly retracted the idea of returning. “For now, magbabakasyon kasi ako sa Japan sa December 15. Bakasyon lang. Hindi ko pa alam,” Quiambao explained.
The B. League, which is based in Japan, has already attracted a number of Filipino players, including his good friend Carl Tamayo. He argued, however, that he was merely going to Japan for a vacation and to see his mother.
When asked if he had any international offers, the Muntinlupa native said, “I think ano, bawal muna sabihin.”
After a strong showing at DLSU and successfully restoring Taft’s title, his place in UAAP history will certainly be cemented. However, if the MVP returns to the UAAP, it will be a sight to behold.
