New dad Kevin Quiambao relishes UAAP break

La Salle’s Kevin Quiambao during a game against Ateneo in UAAP Season 87. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Kevin Quiambao is making the most of his long break to spend more time with his family, especially with his newborn child.

The reigning UAAP MVP and the De La Salle Green Archers have a 10-break Halloween break before returning to action on November 6 against Far Eastern University at Mall of Asia.

Quiambao, who had a new career-high 33 points in their 80-65 win over Ateneo last Saturday, was relieved to finally have more time for his loved ones while still keeping his body in top shape.

READ: UAAP: La Salle’s Kevin Quiambao not satisfied despite new career high

“Finally, I can take care of my kid. This break is an opportunity to bond more with my family. It’s a long season, so we need to check in on our family and loved ones,” said Quiambao.

The La Salle star admitted that juggling his student-athlete life and his duty as a father has not easy. 

“As a student-athlete, it’s very hard to balance time. Before, it was already difficult even when I didn’t have a child,” Quiambao said.

READ: Topex tells Kevin Quiambao: ‘Be a responsible father, partner’

“But for my family, I’ll do everything—I’ll endure all the exhaustion and sleeplessness. And at the same time, I want to perform well because I’m one of the leaders here. I need to set the tone and lead by example for this team.”

Despite this lull in the schedule, Quiambao keeps his focus on their goal to defend the Green Archers’ title with the Final Four race down to the last few games.

“This break is crucial for us because we have a strength and conditioning program, and Coach Migs (Aytona) and Coach Gelo (Vito) have supported us since day one,” he said.

Quiambao will face FEU rookie Veejay Pre, who also made his career-high 31 points a day after his 33-point eruption, as La Salle hopes to secure one of the two twice-to-beat advantages.