STAR players usually demand playing time on the court when the going gets tough.
But not Kevin Quiambao.
The reigning and defending UAAP Season and Finals MVP was man enough to admit that he hasn’t been himself after La Salle’s lengthy break - so much so he had to tell coach Topex Robinson to watch his minutes for Wednesday’s game against Far Eastern University.
“Kahapon pa lang, sinabi ko kila coach na parang wala ako sa sarili ko. 'Di ko naibalik yung conditioning ko at nangangapa ulit ako,” he said.
Basketball isn’t the only thing on Quiambao's mind as of late, as he has also had to tend to the baptism of his son Kevin Vennan over the weekend.
“Those are the things na pinag-usapan namin when he decided to stay for the season: the responsibility of fatherhood is gonna take its toll on him,” shared Robinson.
“He’s aware of that, I’m aware of that, so ang maganda is we have that open communication at hindi kami nagkakapaan.”
MVPKQ gets 'benched'
And as baffling of a move as it was for Robinson to keep Quiambao on the Green Archers bench in the fourth quarter, it was a decision where both saw eye-to-eye.
This is even truer with Gilas Pilipinas forward firing blanks and shooting 2-of-17 from the floor.
“Sabi ko, titiisin ko na muna. I’ll give the opportunity to Raven [Gonzales] who is also playing well. Kung kaya kong tiisin, gagawin ko, but I still have to put him inside because he’s one of our guys. Even if Kevin’s missing shots, he’s still gonna attract the defense,” said the mentor.
Despite Quiambao’s poor shooting night, he was still able to contribute eight points and 13 rebounds in La Salle’s 58-53 win.
READ: La Salle escapes FEU even with Kevin Quiambao struggling
But more that, it’s a perfect display of the trust that the coach and the player have in each other.
“Good thing naman na lahat kami is capable maglaro and yung system is ine-execute pa rin namin,” said Quiambao.
“Kilala ko siya eh. He will always respect my decision, so he’ll not take it against me if I didn’t put him in,” Robinson stated.
“He knows there’s a reason for that and doon lumalabas yung tiwala namin sa isa’t-isa.”
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