Kevin Quiambao opens up about future with La Salle

Kevin Quiambao has opened up about his future with De La Salle University.

Quiambao and his team De La Salle University fell to University of the Philippines, 66-62, in Game 3 of the UAAP men's basketball finals.

“For now, ayoko muna isipin. Pahinga muna talaga ako kasi eight months akong nagba-basketball. Tuluy-tuloy, straight,” Quiambao said. 

“Until this December. Pahinga muna ako then I don’t know what’s next. Hindi ko alam,” he added. 

KQ on his next plans: Pahinga muna @gmasportsph pic.twitter.com/6hJdT6pN7J

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) December 15, 2024

Quiambao on Sunday posted 13 points on 4-of-11 shooting that went with four rebounds in 30 minutes of action in the losing affair.

The La Salle star practically played for three quarters with the entirety of his minutes, but was on the bench from the 5:13 mark of the payoff period to 1:48 where he rejoined while La Salle was on the verge of recovering from a 61-58 deficit. 

Despite this, Quiambao said he just trusted head coach Topex Robinson's decision and strategy.

“What if? Wala naman, tiwala naman ako kay Coach Topex ever since Day One. Medyo nagkaroon lang ng ano nung doon sa inupo ako. Kasi akala ko one minute lang, sinabihan ako na isang minuto lang. Wala namang problema sa akin. Pero kinapos talaga ako talo, move on na,” said Quiambao. 

Humble as always, Quiambao also took accountability for the finals loss and said it still felt surreal seeing action in his second straight championship run.?

“I’m so proud of my team. Win or lose, blame [is] on me. Ako may kasalanan ng lahat ng iyon. I take ownership sa lahat ng ginawa ko. Sobrang proud na nakarating kami ng finals, decider Game 3. It’s a surreal feeling for me. Pati sa buong team na ‘yun nga medyo kinapos pero babawi sila,” he said. 

Quiambao also doubled down on La Salle’s future that now includes his childhood friend Kean Baclaan, Gilas teammate Mason Amos, former Fighting Maroon Luis Pablo, and NCAA transferee Jacob Cortez. 

“‘Yung hard work nila [teammates] since day one. Grabe. Kasi sobrang dami naming pinagsamahan throughout the whole season. Basta mahal ko sila lahat. Excited ako ‘yung future, excited ako na nandiyan na sila Kean Baclaan, Jacob Cortez, Luis Pablo, Mason Amos,” Quiambao detailed. 

“For sure they will be scary next season,” he concluded.

Robinson, meanwhile, said the team is ready for a future without Quiambao.

"We just thank him for his service. It is what it is. Hindi naman ito sorpresa that this might be his final season and we prepared well for this. He just gave us until the final buzzer, he never gave up, and he’ll be remembered as one of the great Lasallians, one of the best to ever wore that jersey," Robinson said.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News