MANILA, Philippines – Expect a much more confident Kevin Quiambao when La Salle plunges back into action in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday, November 30.
The reigning UAAP MVP Quiambao gained a much-needed confidence boost after another tour of duty for Gilas Pilipinas in the recently concluded second window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
“I think this is a huge boost since I’m one of the leaders in La Salle. I will bring this experience [to La Salle] and share it to my teammates,” said Quiambao in Filipino of his latest stint with Gilas Pilipinas.
Prior to joining the national team, Quiambao struggled mightily in the Green Archers’ final game of the elimination round against the also-ran NU Bulldogs last November 13.
In that match, Quiambao shot 3-of-17 from the field, including a 0-of-9 clip from beyond the arc, to finish with just 6 points as the league-leading Green Archers fell to the Bulldogs, 63-54.
As one of the youngest players of Gilas Pilipinas, Quiambao put up an all-around performance in its 93-54 annihilation of Hong Kong on Sunday, November 24, three days after riding the bench in their breakthrough win over New Zealand.
Quiambao racked up 8 points on an efficient 3-of-5 shooting, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and a whopping +/- of +30 in 22 minutes of action off the bench.
The 23-year-old Quiambao said he had no hard feelings after not getting any playing time in Gilas Pilipinas’ showdown against New Zealand and credited newly appointed Gilas Youth coach LA Tenorio for keeping him locked in.
“Since I didn’t get any minutes against New Zealand, [coach LA Tenorio] always reminded me to just stay ready. I just became professional, basketball is basketball. I didn’t take it personally,” said Quiambao of his benching in Filipino.
Now shifting his focus back to La Salle’s title defense in the UAAP, Quiambao and the rest of the twice-to-beat Green Archers will face the winner of the playoff for fourth between the Adamson Soaring Falcons and the UE Red Warriors, which will take place on Wednesday, November 27. – Rappler.com
