KEVIN Quiambao may have very well given a glimpse of what the future holds for him.
“I’m so proud of my team. Medyo kinapos pero babawi sila,” he said after La Salle’s tough 66-62 Game Three defeat to the University of the Philippines on Sunday to surrender the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball crown.
READ: UP fights off La Salle for second title in four seasons
Sila, meaning them, alluded to this being the final game in green-and-white for Quiambao, the back-to-back Season MVP whose next endeavor hovered heavily over the Green Archers’ heads in this title pursuit.
It’s the kind of passive-aggressive parting word from the soft-spoken pride of Muntinlupa City which is also, at this point, already the biggest open secret in the amateur ranks today.
Korea calling?
But Quiambao said that his supposed Korea foray is the farthest thing on his mind right now.
“For now, ayoko muna isipin. Pahinga muna talaga ako kasi eight months akong nagba-basketball na tuloy-tuloy at straight,” he shared, finally heaving that big sigh, as he quickly turns his attention to his newborn son Kevin Vennan.
Quiambao’s fatigue is understood.
From La Salle and Gilas Pilipinas to a barangay covered court near you, it seems like KQ was just everywhere this past 2024.
“Magpapahinga muna ako ngayon. Pahinga muna ako, then I don’t know what’s next,” he said, giving himself for the entirety of the month to recover before plotting his next move – one that seemingly points to Goyang Sono Skygunners in the Korean Basketball League (KBL).
But regardless of his next chapter, Quiambao was just proud of what this Green Archers team has accomplished even if it ended in a runner-up finish.
“Sobrang proud na nakarating kami ng finals, decider na Game Three. It’s a surreal feeling for me pati sa buong team,” he said, owning up to this bridesmaid finish, as he only had 13 points and four rebounds in the losing effort.
“Win or lose, the blame is on me. Ako ang may kasalanan ng lahat ng iyon. I take ownership sa lahat ng ginawa ko. Sabi ko lang na mahal ko sila. As isa sa mga leaders sa team namin, wala akong masabi. We fought hard, medyo kinapos lang.”
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