Kevin Quiambao says ‘ligang labas’ stint done with La Salle permission

Kevin Quiambao set the record straight about his participation in games outside of the UAAP sanctions or known as 'ligang labas.'

According to the 23-year old De La Salle University star, he had the blessings of team management when he participated in the aforementioned leagues. 

“For my family, ginawa ko lang ‘yun,” Quiambao told reporters after La Salle’s 77-66 drubbing of University of the Philippines on Sunday night. 

Quiambao reportedly participated in a league outside of his commitment to La Salle.

“Pero ‘yung gano'ng kalaking halaga, hindi totoo ‘yun. Never, never. Kasi, hindi naman ako tumatanggap ng gano'ng kalaking talaga. Dahil utang na loob ko ‘yung doon sa Vista Laiya na pinaglaruan ko dahil malapit sila sa akin. Taga-Las Piñas sila at malapit ‘yun sa Alabang [where I’m from]. Simula bata ako inalagaan na nila ako eh. ‘Yun lang,” he added. 

For the reigning MVP, everything he has going on outside the Taft-based school is done with careful consideration and permission. 

“Lahat-lahat ng galaw ko pinapaalam ko sa management namin. Kay Coach Topex [Robinson] sa lahat ng coaching staff. May basbas naman sila na ingatan mo lang sarili mo. Kasi number one rule namin sa team use your best judgement. Kung anong gusto mong gawin sa buhay, gawin mo lang. ‘Yung team nakasalalay dyan sa lahat ng gagawin mo,” said Quiambao, who also delivered 15 points, five rebounds, and three assists in La Salle’s top-seed clinching win. 

With his multiple responsibilities, Quiambao is just glad to have the proper guidance of his coaches and the system they had instilled in him to maintain good health.  

On Tuesday, it was announced that Quiambao is part of the Gilas Pilipinas pool for the upcoming November window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers later this month.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News