La Salle main man ready for new role

Kevin Quiambao doesn't mind shifting to a wingman role as long as he can contribute to the Strong Group Athletics' campaign in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship set on 19 January.

Strong Group pretty much took care of its ceiling by tapping former National Basketball Association stars in big men Dwight Howard and naturalized Filipino Andray Blatche along with tall wingers Andre Roberson and McKenzie Moore.

With key pieces in place for the center and forward spots, head coach Charles Tiu sees the versatile Quiambao playing at the guard spot or the No. 3 position.

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86 Most Valuable Player is not backing down from the challenge of helping Strong Group achieve success albeit outside his comfort zone.

In fact, the 6-foot-6 De La Salle University star has been preparing for his transition.

"As early as December, coach Charles already told me that I can't play No. 4 anymore since at the international level, my height and build fall under the wing spot," the 22-year-old Quiambao, who played a key role in La Salle's UAAP title run to end a seven-year UAAP championship drought, said.

Quiambao, who won UAAP Season 86 Finals MVP, shares that he's been making good progress in his adjustments.

"Since coach Charles told me about the role I'll play with the team, I try develop (wing skills) every day. I also work on other adjustments I have to make sliding from power forward go wing," Quiambao, who has committed to make a return for the Green Archers next season, said.

"I try to take advantage of all the instructions coach Charles has been giving me since I signed up for the team."

Strong Group held an open practice last Wednesday as local players bannered by Quiambao along with La Salle teammate Francis Escandor and the core of College of Saint Benilde, which Tiu handles in the National Collegiate Athletic Association, try to build chemistry with their reinforcements.

"We're seeing great progress as per coach Charles. We know what our specific roles are and we try to fulfill that role," Quiambao said.

"I can't wait to go to Dubai and play in front of our kababayans there."

Also in the team are Blazers standouts Allen Liwag, Justine Sanchez and Tony Ynot along with Pampanga Lanterns' Justine Baltazar, University of the Philippines guard JD Cagulangan and Filipino-Australian guard Jordan Heading.

Strong Group is coming into the tournament with fire in its eyes after falling short of making it to the semifinal last year.

The 2023 crew led by Ateneo de Manila University center Ange Kouame, Philippine Basketball Association imports Shabazz Muhammad and Renaldo Balkman with Quiambao, Baltazar, Adamson University's Jerom Lastimosa and Blazers Will Gozum and Migs Oczon bowed to eventual champion Al Riyadi Club Beirut, 97-107, in the quarterfinal.