Kevin Quiambao isn't going anywhere but in Taft, affirming his commitment to deliver back-to-back UAAP men's basketball titles to the De La Salle Green Archers.
Reigning UAAP men's basketball Most Valuable Player, champion, and Finals MVP Kevin Quiambao is staying put with the DLSU Green Archers for Season 87, the versatile forward announced on social media.
“After countless days and weeks of praying and weighing on what's best for me and my family, pending time in God's Word is the only way to grow closer to Him. I've Decided to fulfill my promise for DLSU and LASALLIAN Community. To GOD be the Glory. Animo 💚 #S87,” Quiambao wrote in his Facebook post.
This is a reiteration of his commitment to coach Topex Robinson's squad after rumors of naturalization and alleged recruitment. Quiambao first announced his decision to stay with the green and white as early as December, expressing a desire for back-to-back UAAP titles.
[ALSO READ: Running it back: Fans react as Kevin Quiambao decides to stay with La Salle]
KQ’s affirmation to help DLSU win back-to-back is expected to be a huge boost for the Green Archers, who also acquired Quiambao’s childhood friend and former NU Bulldog Kean Baclaan as well as former NCAA champion Jacob Cortez in the offseason.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Jacob Cortez follows in father Mike's footsteps, suits up for La Salle]
The reigning UAAP MVP, helped the Green Archers end their seven-year title drought after overcoming the UP Fighting Maroons in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball finale last December.
KQ scored 24 points in the title-clinching game, and capped off a remarkable season with a Finals MVP plum.
Quiambao has been very busy since then, playing for the Strong Group Athletics in the Dubai World Championships last January, which finished second in the tournament after falling to Al Riyadi.
Teaming up with former NBA stars like Dwight Howard, KQ managed to impress the likes of Andre Roberson.
Quiambao certainly left na impression. SGA reported that the United Arab Emirates expressed interest in naturalizing him.
[ALSO READ: Kevin Quiambao shines vs. Beirut, as Strong Group remains undefeated in Dubai]
KQ then suited up for the Tim Cone led-Gilas Pilipinas squad that swept their window one assignments in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers later that month.
The La Salle star even earned praise from the winningest coach in PBA history.
He averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in two games so far, including a dagger three which prompted the Filipinos in Hong Kong to chant, "Uwian na!"
During the offseason, Quiambao lived up to the “basketball is life” mantra, playing ball in some “dayo” games in various barangays that buzzed up the social media world.
With KQ back, the Green Archers are once again strong contenders to repeat as champions, a feat they last achieved way back in Seasons 62 and 63.