La Salle keeps it ‘exciting’ for main man Kevin Quiambao

MANILA, Philippines – The upgrades didn’t stop for the La Salle Green Archers even after bagging the UAAP men’s basketball championship last season.

Boosting their buildup, the Green Archers went up against pro teams in the offseason. And after losing several big names, this year’s favorites also scored recruitment coups.

Then there’s Kevin Quiambao, the reigning UAAP MVP who looks all set to become even more potent on court. 

“We keep it exciting with him,” said La Salle head coach Topex Robinson.

“When [Quiambao] was deciding on staying, that’s one of the things that you know he touched upon. He told us, ‘I want to try new things,’ so I told him, ‘Why not be a point guard?’ to which he said, ‘I would love to.'”

Quiambao, who played a key bench role during Gilas Pilipinas’ inspiring run in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament last July, spurned offers to go pro.

“What I love about KQ is that he’s a student of the game, he finds ways to really learn and grow,” said Robinson. 

Mike Phillips, Quiambao’s fellow frontcourt member who also played a pivotal role in the Green Archers’ title romp, has nothing but praise for their all-around leader. 

“I’m grateful to be with one of the best forwards in college basketball, with Kevin Quiambao,” Phillips told Rappler.

“I mean, I kind of look at him as that guy for me. And being able to go up against him every day in practice, I see how hardworking he is.”

“And so, when I see that, it kind of eases my worries and my nervousness because, wow, this guy, he’s one of the leaders of the team, but he’s also the hardest working,” he added.

La Salle lost key players Evan Nelle and Mark Nonoy to graduation but added several big names — headlined by young stalwart Mason Amos from Ateneo — who are set to debut within the next two seasons.  

Jacob Cortez — the son of former King Archer Mike Cortez — also moved to La Salle from San Beda, as well as Kean Baclaan from NU, Vhoris Marasigan from San Beda, and 6-foot-7 Gilas Youth forward Alex Konov, who is eligible to play this year.

La Salle also fortified its experience by facing off with PBA squads Converge, Rain or Shine, and Phoenix during a provincial invitational meet, where the Archers even stunned the FiberXers.

So if the preseason is any indication, Quiambao and the La Salle Green Archers look on track to stay on top. – Rappler.com