CHICAGO - Playing in front of packed gyms with screaming, hissing crowds, Kevin Quiambao is burning up social media with video posts of him playing in 'ligang labas' games.
And as rumors continue to swirl that the La Salle star hasn't been practicing with the Green Archers lately, many are wondering if the do-it-all forward and reigning UAAP MVP will return to help defend his school's title?
READ Quiambao not on La Salle team for PBA D-League title defense
First things first, though: Is he allowed to play outside of his mother team when the UAAP is not in season?
"Eligibility is not within the jurisdiction of the Office of the Commissioner," deputy UAAP commissioner Mariana Lopa told me via text message.
In other words, KQ doesn't have to look over his shoulders for potential penalties. One of Quiambao's closest confidantes said it best, "the MVP can do what he wants."
Also, I've been told that with regards to his participation in these "ligang labas" games, Quiambao supposedly has the tacit approval of the Commissioner of Higher Education (CHED) which oversees college athletes.
But the nagging question persists: Is Quiambao leaving the Green Archers nest?
HERE'S WHAT WE KNOW.
After his sensational outing with Strong Group Athletics at the Dubai Invitational Championships last January, Quiambao has received offers to play in the NBL in Australia and the KBL in Korea.
Per multiple sources, Quiambao "met with the La Salle bosses" before the Holy Week break.
And?
Green Archer Nation can rest easy. The 6-foot-7, 205-pound juggernaut is keeping his talents at Taft.
"He is staying," La Salle head coach Topex Robinson told SPIN.ph.
So yeah, Kevin Quiambao will grace Season 87 of the UAAP with his illustrious presence.
But for now, he is as free as a bird, spreading the gospel of basketball. Keep your eyes open, he might just pop up in a barangay arena near you.
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