REIGNING UAAP MVP and La Salle star Kevin Quiambao does not mind having a hectic pre-season as long as it will work wonders for him and for the Green Archers.
Since he guided La Salle back to the Promised Land of the 86th UAAP men’s basketball late last year, Quiambao has seen action in several offseason meets, but he remains hungry for greatness.
“I think wala naman (nagbago). Naging mas bigger role lang ako this season pero iyon nga kailangan ko din mag-step up talaga palagi and kailangan kong mag-lead by example sa lahat ng kakampi ko,” Quiambao said. “Iyong init naman ng championship, kumbaga nandoon pa rin naman sa amin and iyon nga kailangan lang namin i-figure out kung ano talaga iyong kailangan naming.
“Good thing na maaga pa na-reality check kami and iyon, itong these coming months talagang puspusan sa training namin,” he added.
Quiambao said the leadership role does not solely rest on him.
“Sa totoo lang, hindi lang naman ako iyong magle-lead ng team, lahat kami. Iyon nga, lagi naming sinasabi nina coach Topex, 16-strong kami sa team and iyong veteran leadership na nawala samin last season kailangan lang namin punan iyon,” Quiambao said. “Sa rookies naman, sobrang ganda naman ng ipinapakita nila, kailangan lang nila maging mas mabuo pa iyong chemistry namin.”
With the departure of Evan Nelle, Mark Nonoy and Francis Escandor, the 6-foot-8 big man said his teammates also need to step up.
The Archers are expected to toughen up for the 87th UAAP basketball tournament by taking part in the World University Basketball Series from Aug. 10 to 12 in Tokyo, Japan.
