IT was a bittersweet end to Kevin Quiambao's second Strong Group stint after going 0-for-5 from the field in a heartbreaking finals loss to Al-Riyadi in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship.
However, the reigning UAAP MVP won't go home empty-handed as he was named to the All-Tournament Team for his heroics for the Philippine side.
Lebanese national team star Wael Arakji took home tournament MVP honors as the leader of Al-Riyadi's triumphant title-retention run.
READ: Al-Riyadi's buzzer-beating trey denies Strong Group in thrilling Dubai final
Prior to a scoreless outing in the finals, Quiambao averaged 18 points per game in Strong Group's seven successive victories to lead a veteran-laden squad of ex-NBA talents in scoring.
His consistency from three-point range across the group phase and knockout stage shone through, topped by his six hits in as many attempts from beyond the arc in their second win of the tournament against Al Wahda from Syria.
Midway through the Dubai tourney, multiple reports confirmed interest in Quiambao's services — including a naturalization offer from the United Arab Emirates and a prospective NBA Summer League invite from the New York Knicks.
He made it clear, however, that his primary focus after the Dubai tourney is with the De La Salle Green Archers in their forthcoming UAAP men's basketball championship defense later this year.
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