CHICAGO - With a legendary work ethic and mad basketball skills, it is so easy to gloss over reigning UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao.
Unfortunately, when it comes to his choices and priorities, there's so much left to be desired.
Months after he made the rounds on social media for playing in ligang labas games during the preseason, the 23-year old appears to have straying again. And again.
As first reported by Snow Badua on SPIN.ph, KQ allegedly suited up for a wealthy squad participating in a tournament in Sariaya, Quezon.
READ Mula Sariaya hanggang Manila: KQ waging two fights in UAAP homestretch
And like a conquering hero liberating the oppressed, the 6-foot-7 forward carried the Laiya ballclub to victory in that November 2 tiff.
I can't imagine, however, any merry-making within the La Salle community. If anything, KQ's sortie may have caused nervousness and rapid palpitations from the team managers.
I KNOW WHAT YOU DID.....
"I was told about it last week. I didn't talk to Kevin about it, not unless he opens up," La Salle head coach Topex Robinson told me via text message.
If you're looking for more oversight, you're not going to find it in La Salle's hoops program.
Coach Topex is a leader of men, a motivator and a teacher. He is neither a helicopter parent nor Big Brother when it comes to his players' pursuits outside of school.
"Kevin is aware of the circumstances of every decision he will make. I always treat my players as grown-up individuals knowing that they have certain responsibilities for every action," Robinson reiterated.
I agree with his tact. Coaches dispense good advice and share life lessons. They're mentors, not babysitters.
Quiambao was given free will and he chose to misuse it.
FOR THE LOVE OF THE CASH, ERR, GAME.
The inference pushed by his enablers that KQ only plays ligang labas games supposedly to serve a mandate as ambassador of the sport is a steaming pile of horse crap.
I believe this latest one-game fling with a team in Quezon was financially motivated, in the range of six figures per Badua's sources.
I get it. Baby food and diapers, and a superstar's lifestyle are expensive.
But loyalty is important, too. In the grand scheme of things, It's the currency that pays off better in life.
If he wins a second straight MVP award and a successful title defense to go with it, KQ is in line to receive bonuses from boosters that would range in the low seven figures, the rep of a former player who was part of last season's championship team, told me.
And remember, there's that mega rich KBL deal waiting for him, too.
So why risk all of that?
Infidelity never makes sense.
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