Kevin Quiambao legacy cemented as La Salle ready to move forward without him

As University of the Philippines celebrated clinching the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball title last Sunday, on the other side of the court, the De La Salle Green Archers and their star Kevin Quiambao were seen emotional, witnessing the cheering fans of the Fighting Maroons.

Apparently, it would be the last time that 'KQ', La Salle's back-to-back Most Valuable Player, would be seen on the UAAP court.

On Monday, the morning after the Green Archers' runner-up finish, Quiambao announced that he would be heading to Korea to play with the Goyang Sono Skygunners.

However, for La Salle head coach Topex Robinson, Quiambao's legacy for La Salle is something that has already been cemented.

"Obviously, the legacy that KQ brought with us is something that we’re so grateful sa kaniya, but moving forward, it’s part of basketball (Obviously, the legacy that KQ brought with us is something that we're so grateful to him for, but moving forward, it's part of basketball)," Robinson said after the Game 3 loss.

"We don’t always win it, but we’re gonna learn from it. It’s just gonna keep our fire alive and it’s gonna keep on burning."

In his stint with La Salle, Quiambao was named Rookie of the Year in Season 85, then became back-to-back Most Valuable Player in Seasons 86 and 87. He was also named as Finals MVP in Season 86 when he led the Green Archers to a title.

For this, Robinson is also grateful to what Quiambao has contributed to La Salle's winning program.

"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 [his all] 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 wear that jersey," added Robinson.

[We just thank him for his service. It is what it is. It's not a surprise that this might be his final season and we prepared well for this. He just gave us his all 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 wear that jersey.]

Despite the loss of Quiambao, Robinson said the team is ready for its future seasons.

Mason Amos, Luis Pablo, Jacob Cortez, and Kean Baclaan are among those who will be suiting up starting Season 88 for the green-and-white squad.

"Those guys coming in, it’s nice to see that the future of the program will still be exciting. That’s something to look forward to and be excited for Season 88," Robinson said.

Even Quiambao is confident of the redemption journey La Salle will take starting next season.

"Pati sa buong team na ‘yun nga, medyo kinapos pero babawi sila,” he said last Sunday.

[For the whole team, we came up short but they will bounce back.]

—JMB, GMA Integrated News