De La Salle University's Kevin Quiambao. UAAP MediaMANILA, Philippines – De La Salle University's title defense in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament is alive and well, thanks to the heroics of Kevin Quiambao.
Despite his busy schedule as a student-athlete, a father, and a Gilas Pilipinas national team player, Quiambao has sustained his form and even secured another Most Valuable Player (MVP) plum.
He topped the statistical points race after the elimination round, garnering 81.357 statistical points (SPs) on averages of 16.6 points (a league-best), 8.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.0 steals per contest.
READ: La Salle's Kevin Quiambao is UAAP MVP once more
But for Quiambao, he could not have done it without his family, his son, and the La Salle community which has always supported the Green Archers.
"For me, sobrang special na makakuha ng ganitong award [MVP]. Kumbaga, pinaghirapan ko 'to. Nilaan ko 'to sa family ko before mag-start ng season. Dito sa team namin, mas marami pa 'yung time na magkasama kaming magti-teammates and coaches kaysa sa family namin," he told reporters after towing La Salle to another championship showdown against University of the Philippines (UP) on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
'"Di lang para sa akin 'to, kundi sa buong La Salle dahil 'di ko naman makukuha 'yung MVP kung hindi dahil sa kanila," he went on.
READ: UAAP: Ateneo's Kacey dela Rosa secures back-to-back MVP awards
It was another day at the office for him, logging 14 points, three rebounds, two assists, three steals, and two blocks to lead La Salle to a 70-55 beating of Adamson University.
Quiambao, who became a father just this season, said his son, Kevin Vennan, is also his added motivation.
"Extra motivation na paglaki ng anak ko na may masasabi ako sa kaniya, na may nagawa ako sa UAAP, pero ayun nga, kumbaga, hintayin ko lang siya lumaki, sana soon siya naman maging Lasalista."
READ: UAAP: La Salle cruises past Adamson to set up Finals rematch with UP
Backed by unparalleled passion and rigid time management, the 23-year-old basketball standout was able to juggle his time amid multiple responsibilities.
"I think it’s all about time management lang. Kumbaga, mahal ko 'tong ginagawa ko eh," he said.
READ: Kevin Quiambao proves he's always ready to play for Gilas
"Paglalaanan ko ng oras 'to. Sobrang hirap, every morning, pagkatapos ko mag-weights, papasok pa ako sa klase. Pagkatapos ng klase, may training pa. Pagkatapos ng training, mag-aalaga pa ako pag-uwi. So, it’s a humble opportunity para sa 'kin na 'di palaging kontrol 'yung oras mo. Kailangan mo ilaan sa family mo. So, ayun, nage-enjoy naman ako," he added.
"Happy naman ako na dumating sa 'kin 'yung opportunity na maging student-athlete sabay father."
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