By NIKOLE JAVIER
La Salle’s Kevin Quiambao is poised to win the Most Valuable Player award following a dominant performance in his sophomore year in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament.
His coronation will happen in Game 2 of their title series with the University of the Philippines on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.
Agile and ferocious in the shaded lane – not to mention his ability to spot an open teammate – the 22-year-old forward posted a remarkable 97.0 statistical points (SP), way, way ahead of University of the East’s Rey Remogat.
The crafty UE guard tallied 85.92 SPs.
The 6-foot-7 Quiambao would become first local to win the coveted award
since Blue Eagles’ Kiefer Ravena claimed the highest individual recognition in 2014 and 2015.
He would also become the first local awardee from La Salle since Don Allado did the trick in 1998 and 1999.
Quiambao won the Rookie of the Year award in Season 85 despite the team’s failure to reach the semis.
La Salle is riding on a nine-game surge ahead of its best-of-three championship battle with the Maroons, which was largely thanks to Quiambao’s all-around display in the elimination round.
Quiambao delivered rare two triple-double brillance in a single season and only had four non-double-double finishes throughout the 14-game period.
The records speak of Quiambao’s impressive form this season, but more than that is a chance to give the Green Archers a shot at the crown which they last won in Season 79.
La Salle’s Evan Nelle finished third (77.53) followed by Season 85 MVP UP’s big man Malick Diouf (74.76 SPs).
Meanwhile, UP’s Francis Lopez is set to be hailed as the Rookie of the Year following UE’s Precious Momowei’s suspension due to two unsportsmanlike fouls that led to the disqualification.
