UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao (KQ) of De La Salle University (DLSU) will shift from green to blue in the meantime to don the national colors for 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 momentarily leaves the Green Archers to join the Gilas training camp in Laguna after being called up to the 15-man pool once again.
Mr. Quiambao will have his full availability for Gilas, which will face New Zealand and Hong Kong on Nov. 21 and 24 at the Mall of Asia Arena, as apart from the long break of the UAAP to give way to the FIBA window, La Salle has also wrapped up its campaign in the elimination rounds.
The Green Archers finished at No. 1 with a 12-2 slate with Mr. Quiambao, set for his second straight MVP plum, leading the way along with steady anchor Mike Phillips.
It’s the newest tour of duty for country’s top collegiate player right now after also playing for head coach Tim Cone in the first window and the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, where Gilas defied the odds by making it to the semifinals marked by a stunning win over world No. 6 Latvia.
Mr. Quiambao’s Gilas rerun will only make him a better player once he returns to the UAAP in a bid to guide La Salle to a title repeat.
La Salle mentor Topex Robinson echoes the same sentiment as the Green Archers stand to benefit from the national experience of their players come the UAAP playoffs.
“It’s going to be a win-win. KQ’s not going to be with us but try to also imagine the sacrifice that he has to make. There’s so much to gain. That’s one of our contributions to our national program,” said Mr. Robinson, once a player for Mr. Cone in the PBA with Alaska.
“Its a once in a lifetime opportunity. It’s just a testament of what this program is all about. You produce these players that get called up and their experience will benefit them and us. So, it’s really an honor for Kevin (Quiambao).” — John Bryan Ulanday