La Salle’s Kevin Quiambao in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—After La Salle won the UAAP Season 86 championship at the expense of University of the Philippines, Kevin Quiambao told a joke that made La Sallians hold their breaths in the middle of the celebration.
After the Green Archers’ 73-69 Game 3 win over the Fighting Maroons last week, coach Topex Robinson and Quiambao appeared in the post-game conference with the former urging the media to ask where the Season 86 player would have his vacation.
“I’m going to Japan. December 15. Magbabakasyon lang ako coach, ah? Bakasyon lang,” said Quiambao.
(I’ll just take a vacation, okay coach? Just a vacation.)
Running it back
Kevin Quiambao cuts the net after leading La Salle to the UAAP championship in men’s basketball. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
And the Season 86 MVP assured his fans that his statement was indeed real, announcing that he will stay with La Salle for Season 87 on Wednesday via Instagram.
“Playing for DLSU has been one of the greatest blessings in my life,” wrote the star big man.
“After constantly consulting my family and friends, we’re excited to run it back and try to make it B2B (back-to-back)!”
Quiambao staying in Taft will be huge for coach Topex Robinson as the Green Archers lost the services of two of their guards in Evan Nelle and Mark Nonoy.
Quiambao won not only the season MVP but also the Finals MVP after posting averages of 14.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and two blocks after three games against the Fighting Maroons.
He’s also the first local to win season MVP since 2015 after Kiefer Ravena won the plum with Ateneo.