QMB dedicates rest of his one-and-done season with the UP Fighting Maroons to his late grandfather

One-and-done Fighting Maroon Quentin Millora-Brown had to endure a personal loss amid UP’s campaign in UAAP Season 87, after his grandfather passed away last week.

Forcing him to miss UP’s game against La Salle last November 10, Millora-Brown said that his trip to the US to mourn his grandfather with family helped him a lot to regain his mindset, with the Fighting Maroons also heading to the Final Four next month.

“I think going back was really big mentally for me. It was something that would’ve remained on my mind if I hadn’t gone,” said Millora-Brown after UP’s win over FEU on Saturday, November 16. 

Returning like he never left with seven points and 13 rebounds in their 86-78 victory over the Tamaraws, Millora-Brown shrugged off any jet lag or exhaustion — flying back on Wednesday to rejoin UP.

[RELATED: UAAP: UP Fighting Maroons get back on track, eliminate FEU Tamaraws from Final Four race]

“Physically, I’m fine. I’m good. I got my rest. So I’m good,” he said.

It is known to a lot of people as well that Millora-Brown’s grandfather was actually the one who ultimately convinced him to play for the Fighting Maroons. As a coveted prospect, there were a lot of interested schools in the 6-foot-10 big man.

But with QMB's grandfather graduating from UP, it played a pivotal role in landing him a place in the Diliman-based team.

Now that he brings the memory of his grandfather every time he steps on the court, Millora-Brown believes he’ll be playing even more inspired basketball for the Fighting Maroons.

“Absolutely passionate,” he said, on whether or not he was inspired by his grandfather this season. 

“I think it would be an amazing nod to him to be able to get the win, but, as I’ve said before, it’s one game at a time. It’s one practice at a time, we just have to keep improving,” he added.

Before her can think about winning a title for his grandfather, Millora-Brown and the Fighting Maroons first have to deal with one final business in the elimination round before the Final Four — the UE Red Warriors.

Though virtually a non-bearing game for UP, last season’s runners-up will be looking to bring in momentum with two straight wins in their Final Four clash against the UST Growling Tigers.

UP tips off against UE on Wednesday, November 20, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre at 5:30 p.m.