IT seems like one only needs to say Kevin Quiambao’s name and he appears.
May it be with Gilas Pilipinas in Latvia, La Salle in the preseason tilts, or your friendly barangay league, the 6-foot-7 forward won’t fail to show up and give it his all.
Though some may find his busy schedule a little too close for comfort, which is understandable given his already high-profile resume not only as the reigning UAAP MVP but also a national player, 'KQ' sees it as a chance to be something bigger than himself.
“Ine-enjoy ko lang yung journey ko,” he said. “Kung saan man ako maglaro, blessed ako na madami akong nai-inspire na tao.”
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This fleeting feeling is what keeps the pride of Barangay Bayanan going whether it be in Riga in latvia, his hometown Muntinlupa, or the bright lights of the Smart Araneta Coliseum and the Mall of Asia Arena.
“Yung nakikita ko silang nai-inspire sila sa akin, mas lalo akong ginaganahan na maka-inspire pa sa kung ano talaga yung laro ko,” he said.
What sets Quiambao apart from the others is that no matter how big the stage is, he always makes sure to bring his A-game. And that mentality doesn’t change all the more with the UAAP Season 87 fast approaching as Quiambao still wants to add more weapons to his already well-rounded game.
Through his numerous sojourns, glory isn’t far behind. Not only is he winning games and championships for whatever team he’s playing for, but individually, he’s also raking in a multitude of awards here and there, further cementing himself as the undisputed best player in the collegiate ranks today.
But despite all of those accolades, Quiambao is making sure that he never lets anything get in his head as he remains craving to continue being great while honoring those who continue to back him up.
“It’s more of staying in the present. Yung lahat ng nakuha kong awards, sobrang thankful ako sa lahat ng yun pero past na yun. Life is bigger than basketball at para sa akin, gusto ko lang suklian yung sakripisyo ng pamilya ko, ng lahat ng sumusuporta sa akin,” KQ said.
And as Quiambao commits for one more go-round in La Salle, that same dedication lasts.
“Kaya talagang this time, mas hungry ako na mag-champion ulit,” he said. “Gusto ko lang na i-continue ko yung ginagawa ko palagi at mas hihigitan ko pa para mas marami pang umidolo sa akin at mas marami pa akong ma-inspire na tao.”
“Ibibigay ko lang yung 100-percent ko every game at every practice. Ipapakita ko yung kaya kong i-control, magpe-perform lang ako, at i-enjoy ko itong buong season.”
That might just mean trouble for the opposition and a certified treat for everyone else.
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