CHICAGO - When I wrote about a deal in place for Kevin Quiambao to join the Sono Skygunners in the KBL last September, he went on Facebook and penned a reaction.
"Fake news," he said.
The pushback was understandable given that Season 87 of the UAAP was still in its infancy and KQ didn't want his impending flight to Korea to be a distraction to the Green Archers' back-to-back title bid.
READ KQ set to fly out to Korea immediately after UAAP Finals
But now that his final collegiate campaign is at its cusp with a second championship in as many years about to be delivered, the league's worst-kept secret is pretty much common knowledge now in the small basketball community.
KQ's departure is so imminent that a SPIN.ph report today mentioned a booked airline ticket.
And I am told that nothing has changed on his deal.
Per multiple sources, the 6-foot-7, 205-pound forward will make $275,000 in Year One, $375,000 the following year while the third year is a player option. The three-year package is "mostly guaranteed," said a FIBA agent.
So why leave now and not make a run at a historic three-peat which could be in play if the Green Archers somehow hurdle the UP Fighting Maroons in this year's rematch?
Well, although the generosity of La Salle's managers and boosters is legendary, turning down P37 million for two years' work is impossible to do. That's a lot of Similac, toys and seed money for generations of Quiambaos.
Besides, staying another year, especially with KQ occasionally delving in some 'ligang labas' action, increases the risk of an injury that could derail his promising pro career.
And while KQ also fielded other overseas offers, the land of Samsung Galaxy not too far away is a good fit in a way where he immediately gets a lot of playing time.
Once he gains his footing and his game matures even more, Quiambao can then opt to the Japan B.League where both the pay and the spotlight is bigger.
But for now, though, it's all about the title defense.
Kevin Quiambao is marching on borrowed time in the UAAP, which makes this Season 87 championship series a fun, bittersweet Last Dance.
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