Kevin Quiambao may have played his last game for the DLSU Green Archers after their Game 3 defeat to the UP Fighting Maroons in the UAAP Season 87 Finals.
Kevin Quiambao left it all on the court for the DLSU Green Archers in UAAP Season 87.
The back-to-back MVP came close to a perfect season but ultimately fell short in the end as the Green Archers bowed to the UP Fighting Maroons in Game 3, 62-66, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, December 15.
Heavily guarded during Game 3 following his Game 2 heroics, Quiambao put up just 13 points on 4-of-11 shooting from the field, along with four rebounds.
After the match, Quiambao had nothing but praise for his squad, even taking the blame for the defeat.
“I’m so proud of them, win or lose. Blame on me. Ako may kasalanan. I take ownership sa lahat ng ginawa ako,” Quiambao told reporters. “Sobrang proud, nakarating kami ng Finals. It’s a surreal feeling for me. Medyo kinapos pero babawi sila.”
Many fans will have what-ifs in Game 3, especially when Quiambao sat out crucial minutes for La Salle in the fourth quarter. But Quiambao himself had no qualms about that.
“What if? Wala naman. Tiwala naman ako kay coach Topex ever since Day 1,” said Quiambao.
“Medyo nagkaroon lang ng ano—’yung doon sa inupo ako kasi akala ko one minute lang pero walang problema sakin ‘yun. Talo is talo, move on lang,” he added.
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Of course, the biggest question now holds for the two-time MVP: what’s next for KQ?
Reports have swirled that Quiambao will depart from La Salle and head to South Korea for the KBL.
However, for now, the DLSU superstar is focusing on rest and recovery as the year ends.
“For me, papahinga muna ako ngayon and I think I have until this December. Pahinga muna ako ngayon then I don’t know what’s next, hindi ko pa alam,” said Quiambao.
“Ayoko muna isipin. Pahinga muna ako kasi eight months ako nagba-basketball straight,” he added.
Should this be his final season with La Salle, it seems Quiambao already has parting words for his teammates.
“Sinabi ko lang mahal ko sila. As isa sa mga leader sa team, wala akong masabi. We fought hard, medyo kinapos lang,” Quiambao concluded.