La Salle Green Archers’ star Kevin Quiambao during the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Kevin Quiambao had quite the 48 hours to remember.
On Wednesday at Araneta Coliseum, Quiambao powered La Salle over Far Eastern University, 68-62, in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament to bounce back from their shocking loss at the hands of University of the East on Sunday.
Hours before that though, the Season 86 MVP was in a hospital awaiting the delivery of his first child.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 basketball
As a father himself, La Salle coach Topex Robinson had some advice for his Green Archer standout.
“It’s a blessing for him. A lot of blessings are coming for him. I just told him to be a responsible dad and partner,” said Robinson told Inquirer Sports after La Salle improved to a 4-1 record.
“Family will always come first before La Salle. That’s his priority and we know that. The players also know about it, that’s why he’s in and out so we don’t have any issues about it.”
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Sleepless night notwithstanding, Quiambao dropped a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds with eight assists for good measure.
However, Quiambao played significantly less than his usual minutes.
Well, that’s just Robinson’s way of showing his understanding that Quiambao had other responsibilities done before another tight-knit game.
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“He wanted to contribute, though… He told me he doesn’t want to let the day pass by without playing. ‘Bukas na ‘ko mapapagod,’ he said. (I’ll get tired tomorrow),” said Robinson.
Now, Quiambao will be juggling not just his academics and the UAAP. This time, he will also have to fit in his fatherhood duties among others.
“It’s [fatherhood] one of the things that we discussed prior to this season. We know he’s going to be in and out. He might miss games or practice plus there’s Gilas so that’s part of what we prepared,” Robinson said.
“We always say KQ is just a part of us but not all of us.”