Reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao said La Salle was informed he would be playing in an amateur league mid-season, even while the Green Archers are busy defending their UAAP title in Season 87.
Kevin Quiambao said that La Salle is fully aware of his “ligang labas” stints after reports of him playing in Quezon during the Undas break broke out amid the Green Archers' campaign in UAAP Season 87.
Coming off a personal bounce-back game where he helped DLSU pocket a big win over rival University of the Philippines, 77-66, on Sunday night, Nov. 10, Quiambao clarified that his moonlighting for a certain Team Vista Laiya last Nov. 2 was a non-issue.
“Lahat ng galaw ko, ipinapaalam ko sa management namin, kay coach Topex [Robinson], [and] sa lahat ng coaching staff,” said Quiambao.
“Then, may basbas naman sila na ingatan mo lang ang sarili mo kasi rule No. 1 namin sa team, use your judgment. Kumbaga, kung anong gusto mong gawin sa buhay, gawin mo lang. Basta 'yung team nakasalalay diyan sa lahat ng gagawin mo.”
Quiambao has been known to dabble in one-day leagues, especially during the offseason. But it might have been surprising for some to see him play elsewhere during the UAAP season for La Salle.
Kevin Quiambao reacts during La Salle's second round match against UP in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball on Sunday, Nov. 11. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
Regardless, the reigning Most Valuable Player clarified that it was in consideration of his family and his debt of gratitude to the team organizers which led him to suit up in the "ligang labas" game.
“For my family, ginawa ko lang [ito]. Pero, yung gano'ng kalaking halaga [ng pera], hindi totoo 'yun. Never, never. Kasi, hindi naman ako tumatanggap ng ganoong kalaking halaga,” Quiambao said, speaking of how he was compensated by the "ligang labas" team.
“Utang na loob [ko] yun sa Vista Laiya na pinaglaruan ko dahil malapit sila sa akin. Taga-Las Piñas sila. Malapit sila sa Alabang. Simula bata ako, inalagaan na nila ako,” he added.
[ALSO READ: La Salle’s Kevin Quiambao happy to take on added challenge of being a father]
The UAAP also does not have rules against players competing in leagues outside of it — as long as these are of amateur status — even while the season goes on.
“Except as provided in this Amateur Status Rule, there shall be no prohibition for any student-athlete and/or sports team of any Member University from simultaneously participating in other tournaments or leagues while participating in the UAAP,” read an excerpt from the UAAP rule book.
"Ligang labas" or not, Quiambao is expected to have his hands full in the coming weeks as he also takes on his Gilas Pilipinas duties for the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers where he will be called up during the UAAP FIBA break.
But first, he and the rest of the Green Archers will wrap up their elimination round schedule when they face Far Eastern U on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Espana.