UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao (KQ) of De La Salle University (DLSU) will switch from green to blue for now to wear the national colors of Gilas Pilipinas in the second window of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers next week.
Mr. Quiambao is prioritizing his national duties for now as he temporarily left the Green Archers to join the Gilas training camp in Laguna after being called up to the 15-man pool again.
Mr. Quiambao will have his full availability for Gilas, who will face New Zealand and Hong Kong on November 21 and 24 at the Mall of Asia Arena, without the long UAAP break to open the FIBA window, La. Salle has also completed his campaign in the qualifying rounds for the team.
The Green Archers finished at No. 1 with a 12-2 slate and Mr. Quiambao, set for its second straight MVP plum, led by strong anchor Mike Phillips.
The most recent journey in the career of the world’s best player at the moment after playing with coach Tim Cone in the first window and the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, where Gilas defied that by reaching the semi-finals marked by an amazing victory in the world. No. 6 Latvia.
Gilas’ rerun of Mr. Quiambao will only make him a better player once he returns to the UAAP in an attempt to guide La Salle to a repeat title.
La Salle coach Topex Robinson echoed the same sentiments as the Green Archers who will benefit from the national experience of their players come the UAAP playoffs.
“It will be a victory. KQ will not be with us but try to think and sacrifice what he has to do. You have a lot to gain. That is one of our contributions to our national program,” said Mr. Robinson, a former player of Mr. Cone in the PBA and Alaska.
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. It’s just a testament to what this show is all about. You produce these players who are called and their experience will benefit them and us. So, it’s an honor for Kevin (Quiambao).” – John Bryan Ulanday
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