JUST when he thought he had spent his last days as a student-athlete after a brief stint at Citadel Graduate College, the University of the Philippines opened its doors for Quentin Millora-Brown, fulfilling two of his lifelong desires: reconnecting with his Filipino roots and experiencing basketball on the other side of the world.
Although it took him some time to decide, playing in the Philippines turned out to be one of the easiest "yeses" he had ever given.
“At first, I saw it as an opportunity to see my grandfather’s alma mater and play for them since I’ve heard many stories growing up,” he shared with SPIN.ph.
READ: How QMB's lolo, a UP alum, led him to Fighting Maroons
Not long after, QMB came to know more about the Fighting Maroons and their young winning culture, and from then on, he saw more significance in his role on the team.
“They just managed to turn it around, and now they’re trying to maintain that [culture],” he said, referring to how State U won its first title since 1986 back in UAAP Season 84 and then copped back-to-back silvers.
“I think protecting it is very difficult and challenging, as is trying to create that dynasty in the league. That’s what I’m doing it all for; I want to take part in it, and I want to help protect it.”
And without a doubt, Millora-Brown has been doing just that, wasting no time making his presence felt in UP's unscathed 5-0 start to Season 87.
Averaging 8.4 points in 50-percent shooting, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks, he has made sure that the absence of former MVP Malick Diouf doesn't hurt the Fighting Maroons all that much. With him, Dikachi Udodo, and Gani Stevens holding down the fort, they stand alone atop the leaderboard as the league's lone undefeated squad.
QMB's Philippine basketball aspirations
The 6-foot-10 Virginia native suited up for US NCAA D1 school Vanderbilt University for three seasons and earned himself an undergraduate degree before he took his talents to South Carolina-based Citadel.
Now in the Philippines for a one-and-done tourney in maroon-and-green, QMB has committed himself to keep learning.
After all, it’s another challenge altogether adjusting to the Philippines' style of play.
“Basketball here and in the States are just different brands. I’d say it’s more about powering through people there, and here, it’s more about running and trying to get easy baskets,” he said.
He continued: “I love studying the game; it’s not just about playing, but learning more about basketball. I know it’s going to be part of my life for a long time.”
As he keeps learning, the 24 year old will also continue giving his all to ensure his "yes" to the Fighting Maroons remains as sweet as it was the first time around.
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