WITH La Salle bringing back Derrick Pumaren at the helm, the coach's patented press is also expected to make its return to Taft.
La Salle new-boy Kevin Quiambao has expressed his readiness to run miles, or a marathon if need be, just to be fit enough for the new system of the Green Archers.
"Kung magcha-champion naman namin, talagang paghihirapan namin," the 19-year-old center told The Prospects Pod.
Quiambao is no stranger to challenges.
Then a burly kid playing for Lyceum-Cavite, Quiambao was recruited by coach Goldwin Monteverde for National University-Nazareth School where he worked hard to trim down and secure a place in the rotation.
"Hindi ko akalain na kukunin nila ako. Mataba ako talaga. Napag-isip-isip ko nung hindi pa ako kundisyon, hindi ako makasabay sa kanila. Naiinis ako sa sarili ko kasi hindi ako makasabay sa kanila," he said.
"Pero tiniis ko yung dalawang buwan na halos hindi ako kumakain para lang ma-kundisyon and doon nag-build yung chemistry namin sa bawat isa."
Those sacrifices helped Quiambao become a vital part of the Bullpups' back-to-back title runs culminating with a Mythical Team selection in their perfect 16-0 campaign this past UAAP Season 82.
Lessons from that chapter of his career now drives the 19-year-old bruiser to continue striving for greatness, all the more for a La Salle squad that hasn't won the UAAP crown since 2016.
"Sobrang laking impact ni coach Gold sa akin dahil nakapa-disiplinado niyang tao," he said. "Sasabihin niya lang sa iyo na maging disiplinadong tao ka on and off-the-court and wag na wag kang gagawa ng ikakasira ng team. Yung blessings, kusa na pupunta sa iyo pag pinaghirapan mo."
La Salle expects nothing less from Quiambao, too.
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