Reigning UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao is looking forward to looking back on his national team experience with his son in years to come.
La Salle’s Kevin Quiambao is about to embark on another tour of duty with Gilas Pilipinas as he is set to join the national team in the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers slated later this month.
Smack in the middle of La Salle’s title retention bid in UAAP Season 87, Quiambao will find himself busier than ever as he juggles being a student-athlete, a national team player, and a father all in a span of a couple of weeks.
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But for Quiambao, who has led the Green Archers to a 12-1 record and the top-seed with one game remaining in the elimination round, it’s all going to be worth it when he’ll be able to share this experience with his son, Kevin Vennan.
“Ito yung ikukuwento ko sa kanya in the future na nakapaglaro ako ng Gilas and then hopefully na makuha din siya in the future [sa national team],” said the MVP frontrunner.
“Pero, added motivation [sila na] lagi ko lang silang iniisip palagi, every time [maglalaro]. Every after game, chine-check ko sila kung okay lang ba sila talaga. Kahit busy ako sa training, games, hinding-hindi ko sila makakalimutan i-check,” he added.
Quiambao’s son was born while Season 87 was already ongoing. As he now juggles multiple roles in his life, being able to wear “Pilipinas” on his chest is simply another challenge he is eager to take on.
Especially being able to play in front of a home crowd during the games in this window, Quiambao isn’t about to complain of his immensely busy schedule.
“I’m super blessed na may opportunity ako na ma-represent yung country natin. Kaunting pahinga lang saglit, sabay back to work na. Take ko lang ito as an opportunity and as a challenge,” he said.
“Yung home-court advantage natin. Isa ako sa blessed na maglalaro at mala-line up sa Gilas so i-seize ko itong opportunity na ito and hinding-hindi ko palalampasin,” he continued.
But before Quiambao switches into Gilas mode, he and the Green Archers must first wrap up their elimination round schedule against the NU Bulldogs when they clash on Wednesday, November 13, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Then the reigning MVP is set to join Gilas Pilipinas for their upcoming games against New Zealand and Hong Kong on November 21 and November 24, respectively.