Reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao shows his heart by helping Ateneo’s Shawn Tuano, who went down with cramps.
Count on Kevin Quiambao to be an MVP both for his team and for his opponents.
Despite the tense rivalry between the DLSU Green Archers and the Ateneo Blue Eagles since time immemorial, Quiambao did not hesitate in helping Ateneo’s Shawn Tuano after the latter went down with a cramp in the fourth quarter of their game on Saturday, October 26.
Tuano, who was already assisted off the court in the third quarter, returned for Ateneo in the final canto, where the Blue Eagles tried to stage a comeback against the defending champions.
But shortly after Quiambao broke his career-high scoring record in the fourth quarter for La Salle, the cramps started to attack one again for Tuano.
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A complete opposite of his competitive demeanor during plays, Quiambao came to the aid of Tuano and even stretched his right leg.
After the game, Quiambao spoke about the gesture, which he said was all about sportsmanship between foes.
“Dito sa UAAP, lahat ng players tao lang din. Napapagod. Then, ayun, yung rivalry sinet aside ko lang muna dahil yun nga, ayaw kong makakita ng nasasaktan na mga player dahil yun yung pinaka-worst ng isang player kung may injury ka man, or mag-cramps ka dahil mawawala yung momentum mo,” said Quiambao.
The gesture was appreciated by Tuano and Ateneo veteran Sean Quitevis, who ended up replacing Quiambao in helping his teammate.
Understanding the history of their rivalry against Ateneo, it was all about mutual high regard for the two teams.
[RELATED: Kevin Quiambao resets career-high to 33 points as streaking La Salle thumps archrival Ateneo]
“As a co-player kay Shawn Tuano, ayun, tinulungan ko lang siya and then nothing but respect and love sa Ateneo,” he said.
While no one can deny Quiambao’s prowess on the court, he’s also shown himself as a great person with how he treats not just his teammates, but also his foes.