The reluctant superstar
It didn’t come as a surprise when La Salle’s Kevin Quiambao announced that he would return to play another UAAP season for the Green Archers after leading the Taft school to the men’s basketball championship early this month.
Quiambao, 22, could’ve renounced the remaining three years of his varsity eligibility and turned pro with several enticing offers on the table to play overseas. Japan was the leading candidate to land the MVP as his mother lives in Tokyo with two brothers. There were offers from Korea to jump with monthly salaries that approximate what PBA stars bankroll. But Quiambao isn’t in a hurry to leave La Salle where he intends to finish with a degree.
La Salle’s schoolyear is split into tri-semesters and students could wind up their studies in three years if they manage their loads efficiently. Quiambao’s diploma is within reach after a year and the opportunity to earn a La Salle degree is something he holds in high priority. While pro basketball will eventually figure prominently in his life, Quiambao realizes playing isn’t a forever career and an education is a cushion to lean on for the future.
What makes Quiambao special is his attitude. No doubt, he’s La Salle’s superstar, the UAAP Best Rookie last season and the MVP and Finals MVP this year. But he’s not the type to bask in his accolades. Quiambao knows nobody can win a championship alone. Michael Jordan needed Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman to win titles with the Chicago Bulls. Steph Curry couldn’t have collected his Golden State rings without Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. LeBron James had help from Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade at Miami, Kyrie Irving at Cleveland and Anthony Davis with the Lakers to win his championships.
After every game, win or lose, Quiambao makes it a point to slap fives with his teammates in the locker-room, acknowledging that chemistry is the key to teamwork. His stats indicate that he puts importance on assists and rebounds as much as points. Those no-look passes wouldn’t lead to assists unless they’re converted.
In the waning moments of Game 3 in the UAAP finals this season, Quiambao chased down UP’s Gerry Abadiano and blocked his layup from behind. It would’ve
