TERRIFIC TEAM PLAYER: Quiambao wants UAAP crown more than MVP award

De La Salle University star Kevin Quiambao is grateful for a second straight Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

He, however, prefers getting the biggest back-to-back reward in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.

“Of course, I’m excited to receive the award. But that’s not my goal. My goal is to be a champion,” Quiambao said.

The reigning champions marched on to the finals for a second consecutive season after a 70-55 rout of Adamson University in the Final Four last Saturday with Quiambao at the helm.

The Gilas Pilipinas member fired 14 points and filled the stats with three rebounds, three steals, two assists and two blocks to lead La Salle into the best-of-three championship rematch against University of the Philippines.

His production has been consistent throughout the tournament despite juggling his time as a varsity player, a student and a first-time father.

Quiambao earned a total of 81.357 statistical points to beat his closest rival teammate Mike Phillips.

The 23-year-old deflected the credit to the La Salle circle that has supported and helped him win the highest individual award, which he will receive in Game 2 of the finals.

“I don’t think I approached the game differently. But my teammates, the coaching staff, the management played a big role. I won’t get this MVP if not for them. If not for their help. They are the one uplifting me every time. In my down moments, they are here for me,” he said.

“I depend on our inner circle. This MVP is not just for me, it’s for all of us, even the coaches. Credit to everyone in our team. I know I worked for this. But my teammates also worked to get us to where we are right now.”

Quiambao is the first local player to win back-to-back MVP since Kiefer Ravena pulled it off in 2014 and 2015 while playing for the Ateneo de Manila University.

He is the fifth Green Archer to win the honor twice since Ben Mbala (2016-17), Don Allado (1998-99), Mark Telan (1996-97) and Jun Limpot (1987-88).

Head coach Topex Robinson has nothing but praises for his prized forward.

“It’s just a blessing for us to have him. He sets the standard together with our leaders Mike and Josh (David),” he said.

“Again, he deserves it. It’s really something that he worked on. He didn’t take any shortcuts. He did it the way true MVPs should do it.”

What stands in the way of Quiambao’s ultimate goal this season are the Fighting Maroons, whom they swept in the elimination round.

Game 1 is set on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.