Country, family, school: Kevin Quiambao honors all in MVP repeat as La Salle returns to finals

MANILA, Philippines – In recent months, Kevin Quiambao is simply living the dream as one of the up-and-coming pillars of Philippine basketball.

Coming off the birth of his first child, the 23-year-old star got called up for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers before heading back to the UAAP as not only the presumptive back-to-back MVP, but a repeat finalist as well at the end of the Season 87 Final Four on Saturday, November 30.

After leading La Salle to a finals rematch with UP at Adamson’s expense, Quiambao had plenty of praise to hand around when asked about his recent fortunes, including the consecutive MVP awards.

“It’s so special to get this kind of award. I worked hard for this. I offered this for my family before the start of the season and for my team,” he said in Filipino after the game.

“I spend more time with my teammates rather than my family, so the sacrifice they offered, I offered right back. This is not just for me but for all of La Salle, since I wouldn’t be able to get this MVP without them.”

Quiambao virtually went unchallenged in the race — due to sheer talent and not a lack of competition — and cruised to 81.357 statistical points (SPs) built on averages of 16.64 points, highlighted by a season-best 33-point outburst, 8.64 rebounds, 4.07 assists, and 1.0 steal to win his second top individual award.

Teammate Mike Phillips, a shoo-in for his second Mythical Five award, tallied 74.929 SPs as a runner-up after norming a double-double of 12.0 points and 11.57 rebounds on top of 2.29 assists, 1.71 steals, and 1.07 blocks.

Long seen as too good to remain in collegiate basketball, Quiambao is just savoring the blessings of today, so his tomorrows may shine as bright as he presently is.

“It’s extra motivation for me that in the future, I can tell my son I achieved something in the UAAP,” he continued. “I’ll wait for him to grow up, and maybe he’ll be a La Sallian too.”

“I love what I’m doing. I pour time into this. After training, I go to class, then training again, then babysitting when I get home. It’s a humbling opportunity for me, knowing I’m not always in control of my time anymore, but I’m enjoying the chance to be a student-athlete-father anyway.”

Student. Athlete. Father. National team member. Champion. MVP.

Quiambao’s hunger for greatness and purpose is unquestionably insatiable. Assuming he’d add more feathers to his heavy cap is simply not a matter of if, but when. – Rappler.com