Kevin Quiambao is UAAP Finals MVP after leading La Salle title run

La Salle’s Kevin Quiambao (17) during Game 3 of the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball Finals against UP.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Kevin Quiambao added another Most Valuable Player award to cap his sophomore year as he emerged as the best player of the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball Finals.

Quiambao saved his best for last with 24 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and two blocks to power La Salle past University of the Philippines, 73-69, in Game 3 on Wednesday in front of a record crowd of 25,192 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

But shortly after the Green Archers captured their first championship since 2016, Quiambao perhaps got too excited and announced during a TV interview that he was returning for one more year but only to say in a later interview that he would give it a few more weeks before deciding about his future.

“I think for now I’ll get some rest and then these next few weeks you would know what my future is,” Quiambao told reporters.

Kevin Quiambao.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

The 6-foot-6 forward, who became the first local in eight years to be named UAAP Season MVP, scored 10 of La Salle’s closing 15-4 run after trailing by seven in the final frame.

Quiambao displayed his all-around brilliance all season long as he averaged 14.7 points, 9.3 rebounds 2.7 assists, and 1.7 blocks in the finals.

Last season’s Rookie of the Year attributed his successful year to all his coaches, especially Topex Robinson.

“I trusted the system of our coaches. I grind every day in terms of my body fit, nutrition, strength and conditioning, and improve all the aspects of my game. It resulted to a championship, Finals and Season MVP,” said Quiambao. “It feels great. Coach Topex unleashed my potential. Thank you Lord, my teammates, and our coaching staff, especially my strength and conditioning coach and nutritionist.”