UAAP: Tough grind makes Kevin Quiambao’s 2nd MVP even more special

Set to be named MVP anew, Kevin Quiambao leads La Salle Green Archers to the Finals of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament after ousting Adamson Falcons. –UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines —The challenge of juggling multiple duties this year made Kevin Quiambao’s conquest of a second straight UAAP Season MVP award even sweeter.

Quiambao led La Salle’s 70-55 rout of Adamson to return to the Season 87 Finals against the University of the Philippines on Saturday evening at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“It’s really special to receive this award. I worked hard for this. I dedicated it to my family before the season started, and to my team, because we spend more time together—my teammates and coaches—than with our families,” Quiambao told reporters after registering 14 points, three rebounds, three steals, two blocks, and two assists.

READ: Kevin Quiambao wins second straight UAAP MVP

“The sacrifices they made, I made as well. This isn’t just for me, it’s for the whole La Salle community, because I wouldn’t have won MVP without them. It’s extra motivation for when my child grows up, I’ll have something to tell him about what I achieved in the UAAP. I hope soon, he’ll also become a La Sallian.”

It was a more challenging season for Quiambao as he had to juggle his life as a student-athlete with his Gilas Pilipinas stint and spending time and taking care of his newborn baby.

“I think it’s all about time management. I love what I’m doing, so I make time for it. It’s really hard, every morning after my weight training, I still have to go to class. After class, there’s training, and after training, I still have to take care of things when I get home,” Quiambao said.

Kevin Quiambao and the La Salle Green Archers are moving on to the Finals of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament after ousting Adamson Falcons. –UAAP PHOTO

“So, it’s a humble opportunity for me. You don’t always have control over your time, and you need to allocate time for your family. But I enjoy it. I’m happy that I’ve been given the opportunity to be a student-athlete while also being a father.”

READ: New dad Kevin Quiambao relishes UAAP break

The 23-year-old forward became the first Green Archer to win back-to-back MVPs since Ben Mbala, who was the top player of the 2016 and 2017 seasons.

He also joined an elite club of La Salle two-time MVPs with Jun Limpot (1987-88), Mark Telan (1996-97), Don Allado (1998-1999), and Mbala.

Despite having a 17-day break after their last elimination round game, La Salle hardly missed a beat in the Final Four with Quiambao sharing his Gilas Pilipinas experience with his teammates after playing in the Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers window. 

“It’s a win-win situation for me and for our team here in La Salle. When I came back, nothing really changed. I think the only thing that improved was our relationship and our bonding—it became closer because we were without a game for 17 days. We gained a lot from that time, I learned a lot from them, and they were also able to apply what they learned to the team,” Quiambao said.

“I told all my teammates to just stay ready. You never know when the opportunity will come your way. Just give your best every day in practice. All the hard work you put in will reflect when the opportunity comes. Whether you’re called or not, be a good role model to each teammate, be a brother’s keeper. Even if you don’t get your minutes, there are many ways to help the team,” he added.

 The job’s not done for Quiambao as his ultimate goal is a second straight UAAPt championship against UP starting on Sunday next week.

“I think, coming into this finals, it’s 0-0 again, no matter what happened in our games in round 1 and round 2. It’s starting fresh. We need to be more focused, focused on the details and come prepared,” he said.