Quiambao, La Salle vow to stay hungry, motivated

De La Salle University will be marching to the finals of Season 87 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament oozing with confidence.

But it doesn’t mean that they will no longer play with fire in their eyes.

La Salle star Kevin Quiambao said they will enter the finals series on Sunday with the same kind of hunger that made them successful when they won the title last year.

The Green Archers wrapped up the eliminations with a commanding 12-2 win-loss record. Their losses came at the hands of University of the East and National University — two schools who didn’t make it to the Final Four.

In the semifinals, they made short work of Adamson University, 70-55, while the Fighting Maroons showed some signs of vulnerability before coasting to a 78-69 triumph over University of Santo Tomas.

In their elimination round encounter, the Archers creamed the Maroons, 68-56, in the first round before posting another convincing 77-66, win in the second round.

But Quiambao said everything is now water under the bridge.

“I think coming to this finals series, we’re back to 0-0. No matter what happened in our previous games in Round 1 and Round 2, we have to start all over again. We need to be more focused, focused on the details and all. We have to show up prepared,” said Quiambao, who will be formally crowned as Most Valuable Player before Game 2 on 11 December at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Prior to winning the title last year, La Salle had been an outsider in the championship conversation.

Rival Ateneo de Manila University, coached by seasoned international mentor Tab Baldwin, won four of the last six titles while the Fighting Maroons had a breakthrough title in 2022.

La Salle reigned supreme last year with the veteran crew of Evan Nelle, Mark Nonoy, Mike Phillips and Quiambao running the show.

But Quiambao asserted that they can’t afford to forever savor their past success.

“This is already the finals. You have to give your very best for your school,” Quiambao said.

“If you’re not going to give your best, you might end up regretting it in the future. Do not be satisfied by the fact that you’re already in the finals. The job is not yet done. We still have a lot to work on.”

“But at the same time, we’re all excited.”