Kevin Quiambao’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of remarkable. From humble beginnings in Muntinlupa’s local leagues to dominating the UAAP, his evolution into a premier offensive weapon is a testament to both his talent and work ethic. Whether it’s a pull-up three, a devastating pump fake leading to a drive, or precision passing, Quiambao has developed into an unstoppable multifaceted force.
His deep pocket of moves was central to La Salle’s offense, evolving under Coach Topex Robinson’s system. Robinson handed Quiambao the reins, allowing him to become La Salle’s top option and one of the league’s most efficient shot-creators. But this level of dominance didn’t come easily.
Quiambao’s journey began with setbacks. After being cut from Lyceum’s high school team, he moved to National University, where he joined the Bullpups—a program already stacked with future UAAP champions like Carl Tamayo, Gerry Abadiano, and Terrence Fortea under the guidance of Coach Goldwin Monteverde.
Quiambao wasted no time making an impact. In the Season 81 UAAP Juniors Finals, he was instrumental in dethroning Ateneo’s powerhouse Blue Eaglets, led by NBA prospect Kai Sotto and the streak-shooting Fortsky Padrigao. In Game 1, Quiambao recorded a dominant 14 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 blocks as NU cruised to a 70-58 victory. In Game 2, he added 8 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks while helping stifle the 7’3 Sotto on defense.
With KQ’s two-way flex, his Bullpups completed the sweep, 64-53.
Those performances solidified Quiambao’s reputation as a two-way talent. He was ranked the NBTC’s #1 high school prospect but was intending to stay in NU, stating in an interview with Shoot First, “Wala akong nakausap na iba kasi alam naming NU kaming lahat mag-college.”
However, the pandemic disrupted those plans. Quiambao trained in Dubai to stay in shape, drawing interest from professional scouts who offered contracts, while the wheels from the NU Bullpups program started to domino after Coach Gold was not elevated to coach the NU Bulldogs.
Instead, he returned to the Philippines, shifting his direction to La Salle’s Derrick Pumaren, who convinced him to join the Green Archers. “People asked me why KQ and not Tamayo,” Pumaren shared. “The answer was simple: he’s more versatile. Tignan mo naman ngayon, I was not wrong.”
Quiambao’s versatility was evident from the start. In his rookie year, he averaged 11.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, earning Rookie of the Year honors. Yet, despite his individual brilliance, La Salle struggled with ball movement, a frustration Quiambao voiced to his teammates.
By the end of Season 85, La Salle’s failure to reach the Final Four led to speculation about Quiambao transferring to UP. Instead, Robinson’s arrival and KQ’s familiarity with Coach Topex proved pivotal. “Nakasama ko na siya sa Lyceum nun, and kilala naming siya as a player’s coach,” Quiambao said of his decision to stay.
Under Robinson, Quiambao thrived. In Season 86, he averaged 14.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, earning league MVP honors while leading La Salle to its first championship after a nasty title drought. KQ was in harmony with the Topex offense of swift yet smart ball movement.
KQ was so good that he became the new recipient of the Ben Mbala fouls, very hard hacks, and tackles executed to stop the unstoppable.
Despite all the physicality, Quiambao capped the season, clinching the Season 86 crown with the Finals MVP honors, dominating the decisive series against UP with 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 dimes.
Scouts from everywhere started following KQ, with tempting professional offers from Korea and Japan, but Quiambao chose to return for Season 87.
To run it back one more time. For that back-to-back. For Old De La Salle.
Determined to improve, he spent countless hours in the gym during the offseason, refining his handles and perimeter shooting. The results were evident: Quiambao averaged 37.56% from the field, 30.69% from three, and 77.78% from the free-throw line while once again earning league MVP honors with 81,357 statistical points—over 8,000 more than runner-up Mike Phillips.
In the Season 87 Finals, Quiambao delivered one of the biggest clutch performances in recent memory. Facing a championship series defeat in Game 2 and trailing midway into the last quarter, he drained three consecutive three-pointers in the final three minutes to force a deciding Game 3. The first one from a Motor Mike handoff, the next a very tough step-back three against an agile 6’6 defender, and the finale a bomb two feet away from the logo.
The green and white gallery roared like crazy green kids after the King of Clutch pushed his Archers past the Maroons, knowing that this was one of the best playoff game close-outs in La Salle UAAP basketball history.
The La Salle fans in the stands brought the cheering down from the Lower Box, Upper Box, and General Admissions to the escalators and all the way to the Coral Way drive outside of the MOA Arena.
KQ just gave these men in green a core memory that they will never ever forget.
Ultimately, La Salle fell short in Game Three, but Quiambao’s legacy will always be cherished. As Coach Robinson reflected, “Kevin is more than just a great player. He’s a leader, a competitor, and someone who embodies what it means to be a Lasallian. La Salle is truly lucky to have a guy like him.”
While some may lament that Quiambao leaves with two years of eligibility remaining, We will always be grateful for the three he has spent with us
Kevin Quiambao will be remembered as one of the true greats who has ever worn the green and white.
Salamat Kevin!
The green and white nation will always be rooting for you.
Best of luck, and ANIMO!
