KEVIN Quiambao acknowledged how his first-round lead in the UAAP Season 86 MVP race is indicative of his personal growth and progress amid a shaky start to La Salle's sason.
But all eyes are still on the biggest prize for the Archers — championship gold.
READ: La Salle big man Kevin Quiambao leads UAAP MVP race
"Siyempre honored and blessed na ako ‘yung number one," Quiambao admitted.
"Tulad nga ng sinabi ni Coach Topex (Robinson) before the game, masarap masama ‘yung pangalan du’n. Pero ‘yung main focus pa rin namin is winning the gold. Kung anuman nasa harapan namin, kailangan namin i-take advantage," he added.

Looking to become the first local league MVP since Ateneo's Kiefer Ravena in 2015, Quiambao deflected all credit on his current MVP-caliber form to the immeasurable trust of his coaches.
"So far, lahat naman ng statistics ko, galing sa system ni Coach Topex, Coach Caloy (Garcia), lahat sila. Sinusuklian ko lang din ‘yung tiwala na binibigay nila sa’kin. Mas bigger role ako this year, so kailangan ko lang punan ‘yun at mas mag-step up pa."
Now at 5-3 (win-loss), KQ and the rest of the Archers aim to reach their longest win streak of the season at three games against the NU Bulldogs, 4 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.
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