Kevin Quiambao shares plan after leading La Salle to UAAP crown

After being named as the UAAP Season 86 Most Valuable Player, De La Salle University's Kevin Quiambao led the Green Archers to the title and was named as the Finals MVP as well.

It has been an eventful two years at least for Quiambao.

From being Rookie of the Year in Season 85, the DLSU big man was also part of the Gilas Pilipinas team which played in the FIBA Asia Cup and FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

With the La Salle championship checked in his list, Quiambao wants to join his family first.

"Bawi muna sa pamilya, lalo 'yung mama ko umuwi galing sa Japan. After n'un di ko pa alam," Quiambao said in the press conference.

(I'll give time for my family, especially my mom went home from Japan. After that, I don't know yet.)

Head coach Topex Robinson, however, ribbed Quiambao, "Tanong n'yo san siya magbabakasyon." (Ask him where he will go for vacation.)

"I'm going to Japan," Quiambao declared. 

"Magbabakasyon lang ako (I'll just have a vacation)," he added. 

Kevin Quiambao will head to Japan

… for a vacation! @gmasportsph @gmanews pic.twitter.com/DOd5iMqNNs

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) December 6, 2023

Asked in a separate interview if he has already received offers, Quiambao said, "For now, I think bawal muna sabihin." (For now, I think I'm not allowed to say that.)

The Japan B.LEAGUE has been a destination for Filipino standouts, with Thirdy Ravena leading the way when he signed for San-En NeoPhoenix in 2020.

Collegiate players foregoing their playing years to play abroad has also been a trend recently, with the likes of Carl Tamayo joining the Ryukyu Golden Kings after UP finished as runners-up in Season 85. On Wednesday, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde's Migs Oczon also signed with Korean Basketball League team Ulsan.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News