La Salle Green Archers in the Filoil Preseason Cup –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Make no mistakes about it, La Salle may have a new coach in Topex Robinson but Kevin Quiambao and Evan Nelle will still be the squad’s cornerstone come UAAP Season 86.
After the Green Archers’ loss to University of the Philippines in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup final, 87-76, Robinson reiterated that Quiambao and Nelle will continue to be the leaders of the team next season.
“They’re the leaders of our team. Like I always say, Evan and Kevin will win games for us… but they will lose games for us,” Robinson said at San Juan Arena on Wednesday. “That’s just the way it goes.”
Nelle ended the preseason with 19 points, five assists and four rebounds in the loss while Quiambao registered seven points, 11 rebounds and three steals.
Their dynamic play for La Salle certainly showed up during the team’s 11-game winning streak prior to the Finals as they earned selections in the tournament’s Mythical Five, much to the delight of the former PBA coach.
“These guys are leaders and certainly known winners so I believe in them. I trust them even if they miss shots, I don’t care if they keep jacking up shots they’re gonna make them next time, that’s how much I trust and love them.”
La Salle guard Evan Nelle. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Nelle, who will be playing his final season, showed his all-around game for the whole preseason posting norms of 7.9 points, 6.0 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game but it was Quiambao who was the undoubted anchor of the squad for La Salle.
Coming off a Rookie of the Year season, Quiambao continues his upward progression in the preseason with averages of 17.2 markers, 7.6 boards and 3.6 dimes per outing.
Robinson more than acknowledged the duo’s efforts in bringing the Green Archers to the Finals despite not winning the whole thing.
They brought the Green Archers far in the preseason, and they will continue to do so in Season 86, that is how the veteran tactician sees it, at least.
‘I’m not going to throw them under the bus because they’re the ones who really brought us here.”