MANILA, Philippines – With the La Salle Green Archers embarking on a lengthy FIBA-related break, the team will be looking to hit the refresh button without Kevin Quiambao.
On pace for a second straight UAAP MVP award, Quiambao will be temporarily parting ways with his mother team to be with Gilas Pilipinas for the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers this November.
Despite Quiambao not being part of the Green Archers’ reset, La Salle head coach Topex Robinson sees it as a “win-win” situation for both the team and Quiambao.
“Physically, KQ’s not going to be with us, but try to also imagine the sacrifice that he has to make,” Robinson told reporters.
“As what I’ve said, this kind of opportunity is rare and it’s really a no-brainer to bring him there.”
Quiambao was slotted in the 15-man pool by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, joining June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Calvin Oftana, Jamie Malonzo, AJ Edu, Kai Sotto, and Carl Tamayo in the frontcourt.
He will also be joined by La Salle transferee Mason Amos, along with Scottie Thompson, Chris Newsome, CJ Perez, and Dwight Ramos.
With the possibility of going up against New Zealand on Thursday, November 21, and Hong Kong on Sunday, November 24, Quiambao has a chance to test his mettle against two of the Philippines’ continental basketball rivals.
“For us, it’s a win-win, it’s just a testament of what this program is all about. You produce those kinds of players that’s going to get called up, and their experience there, they will benefit from it,” said Robinson.
“It’s really an honor for KQ and DLSU to really represent Gilas in this window.”
Playing all 14 games this Season 87, so far, Quiambao leads the defending champion in scoring at 16.6 points with 8.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists.
The 6-foot-7 Muntinlupa City native tallied a career-high and tournament-best 33 points against Ateneo, eclipsing his previous mark of 29, which he also set this season versus UST.
He has been juggling his UAAP and Gilas careers with academics, his personal life as a new father, and his ligang labas stints or side tournaments, with the permission of La Salle and the UAAP.
Upland refocus
La Salle will head to Indang, Cavite, for a training camp sans Quiambao, mixing rest and relaxation in chilly weather to recalibrate the team’s focus ahead of the Final Four.
“I think this is a good time for us to, you know, see ourselves not having KQ…and not being so dependent on him,” Robinson said.
“I think it’s a time for us to really reflect on where we are and what we want to achieve moving forward, trying to really spend more time together, learning and growing as well, and getting to know our players.” – Rappler.com