By MARK REY MONTEJO
La Salle will go as far as to where Kevin Quiambao takes them.
That’s how big of a role the reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player is set to take in the Green Archers’ title-retention bid in the upcoming Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.
La Salle big man Mike Phillips attested to how important Quiambao is to the team, noting that everything is really starting through the 6-foot-7 big man, especially being the undisputed leader for the defending champions.
“I think it really started with KQ [Kevin Quiambao]. Even though he’s that superstar guy, you can see in his play. He had two triple-doubles with assists. He’s one of the selfless guys on our team,” said Phillips after UAAP’s press conference Wednesday, Sept. 4.
“Even though he takes those big shots, he really gets his fuel from getting everybody involved. His playmaking ability, how much energy he gets from getting others involved,” he added.
Such selfless brand of game from Quiambao is what giving the rest of the team their confidence heading into the season especially now that they have the bigger targets on their backs
“So we all kind of fed off of that. We’ve just been through the fire together. We’ve been through that last season, this offseason,” said Phillips.
Two, three seasons, two, three years together. We’re really excited for what this score we have. Of course, him being one of our leaders in the team,” he continued.
After winning their 10th crown last season, La Salle has been busy during the offseason playing in numerous collegiate leagues, even strutting its wares against professional teams in a pocket tournament against PBA teams in Davao.
For the part of La Salle head coach Topex Robinson, Quiambao is certainly playing a bigger role, particularly in his leadership on and off the court.
With its veteran players, especially guards Evan Nelle and Mark Nonoy moving to the pro, Robinson is mulling the possibility of utilizing Quiambao as a floor general.
“Those are two guards we lost and a really integral part in our program, so when KQ decided on staying that’s one of the things he touched upon, sabi nya ‘he wants to try new things’,” said Robinson.
“Kaya sabi ko why not to be a point guard, which sabi nya nga he would love to do and we’ll experiment on that kaya don’t be surprised if you’ll see KQ bring down the ball and set the play for this season.”
Quiambao had a stellar output last iteration as he averaged 14.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and two blocks per game. He also tallied two triple-double stats – a rare feat which broke multiple records.
