De La Salle University star Kevin Quiambao is far from done as he seeks to win all the awards in Season 87 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.
The 22-year-old forward said he doesn’t want just to lead the Green Archers to back-to-back titles but he also wants to win individual honors to boost his career heading into the professional ranks.
In his second year with La Salle, Quiambao won the Most Valuable Player, Mythical Team and Finals MVP honors as the Green Archers defeated University of the Philippines in a best-of-three championship series.
The Gilas Pilipinas pool member said he was already set to play in the Japan B. League but had a change of heart after Green Archers head coach Topex Robinson talked to him.
“I want to go back-to-back in all of the awards and I want to be a role model for my teammates,” Quiambao said.
“Coach Topex sent me a message on chat and there I realized I wouldn’t be able to experience the UAAP if I went for the opportunity in Japan.”
After winning the title for La Salle, speculations swirled that Quiambao will make a big move overseas after floating the idea of flying to Japan.
But the 22-year-old big man announced that he is staying for Season 87, much to the delight of the La Salle faithful.
Quiambao is expected to lead La Salle after veterans Mark Nonoy, Evan Nelle, Francis Escandor and Ben Phillips have exhausted their playing years and make the most out of the upcoming season.
“I want to enjoy playing in front of a big crowd and make the most of this playing year because you’ll never know what the future holds,” Quiambao said.
