IT'S been clear from the get-go that Kevin Quiambao is the real deal, and his numbers for Strong Group thus far can back that claim up.
From a UAAP sophomore season like no other, with the championship, MVP, and Finals MVP nods under his belt, to triple-doubles and record numbers, La Salle's top man has brilliantly flexed his fast-rising reputation to the international stage.
READ: Kevin Quiambao quick to adapt to new role as winger for Strong Group
Three games into Strong Group's campaign in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship, Quiambao has emerged as the import-laden squad's top scorer with the most minutes played across the board.
KQ, thanks to his perfect three-point shooting night versus Syrian side Al Wahda, is averaging a team-high 18.7 points, four rebounds, and three assists in roughly 26 minutes of play in a three-game stretch.
Following the Muntinlupa native in the stat sheets is Strong Group's all-ex-NBA quartet of Dwight Howard (17 pts, 7.7 reb, 3 blk), Andre Roberson (11 pts, 10.3 reb, 2.3 ast), McKenzie Moore (10.3 pts, 3.3 ast, 3 reb), and Andray Blatche (10 pts, 4 reb, 2.3 ast).
Not only does the presence of Lasallian company in Francis Escandor and Topex Robinson help him unleash his top form, but the all-important leaderships of Strong Group head coach Charles Tiu and his ex-NBA cohorts have been nothing but beneficial to further strengthening Quiambao's game.
"Sinabihan agad ako ni Coach Charles [Tiu] sa mga talagang (dapat) dine-develop ko every day and kung ano 'yung i-aadjust ko pa coming from a power forward na magiging wing na. So ayun, kung ano lang 'yung binibigay sa'kin na instructions ni Coach Charles, tine-take advantage ko lang palagi," said Quiambao.
"Sobrang laking influence nila sa'kin knowing na ayun nga, 'yung career ko is sobrang young pa and sobrang dami kong natututunan sa kanila every day. Gine-gel ko lang 'yung pwede kong matutunan and ayun, [sumusunod] lang ako sa learning process palagi and sa kung ano 'yung sasabihin nila sakin, ite-take advantage ko (kasi) ito 'yung dadalhin ko sa buong career ko — 'yung mga payo na binibigay nila sa'kin," he added.
In roughly a day's time, Quiambao and the rest of Strong Group will stake their three-game unbeaten run in the group phase against Lebanese side Beirut Sports Club (1:15 a.m. Manila time).
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