By NIKOLE JAVIER
Reigning UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao is busy like a bee these days – all for love of country and school.
After fulfilling his commitment with La Salle in the Filoil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup that saw the Green Archers suffer a sorry loss to eventual champion and UAAP rival University of the Philippines, he is heading straight to accomplish his national duty with Gilas Pilipinas in the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in July.
But he’s not complaining.
In fact, the 23-year-old big man remained grateful through a tough schedule.
Good thing, Quiambao will have a one-week break before it all gets crazy again.
“For me, sobrang hard ng schedule. One week lang akong out and then diresto Gilas na nga. After ng Gilas, hindi ko na alam kung kaya pa ng katawan ko. Pero ‘yun nga, naka-program naman lahat to sa mga strength and conditioning namin. And thankful ako sa opportunity na binibigay ng Gilas sa akin. Every time naman na may call-up, one hundred percent na ready ako,” Quiambao told reporters after La Salle’s sorry loss against University of the Philippines in the Filoil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup Final on Wednesday night, June 12.
Not to mention, Quiambao was also just coming off another preseason stint in the PinoyLiga Collegiate Cup Season 3 Championship two days prior where La Salle emerged victorious against fellow UAAP team National University.
Earlier this year, Quiambao was formally called up to join Tim Cone’s Gilas 12 lineup just in time for the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
Since leading the Taft-based squad to its first UAAP title in seven years in Season 86, it’s been quite hectic for the young leader.
With the departure of three key players, the versatile forward has taken on even bigger role in the team which further adds
“Nagkaroon lang ako ng bigger role this [year]. Kailangan ko rin mag-step up palagi and mag-lead by example sa lahat ng kakampi ko,” he said.
For now, all he can see is the lack of chemistry within the champion squad, which could be its doom if not resolved before the UAAP formally kicks off in three months time.
