La Salle’s Kevin Quiambao during a UAAP game against UP.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Kevin Quiambao said his newborn child will be an added inspiration when he represents Gilas Pilipinas anew in the second window of the Fiba Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers.

“Ito yung ikukuwento ko sa kanya in the future na nakapaglaro ako ng Gilas and then hopefully na makuha din siya in the future. Pero, added motivation lagi ko lang silang iniisip palagi every time. Every after game, chine-check ko sila kung okay lang ba sila talaga. Kahit busy ako sa training, games, hinding hindi ko sila makakalimutan i-check,” Quiambao told reporters after leading La Salle past UP in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday.

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Quiambao, who was also part of Gilas in the Olympic Qualifiers and the first window of the Asia Cup qualifiers, seeks to gain a new experience when Gilas plays at home against New Zealand on November 21 and Hong Kong on November 24.

READ: Kevin Quiambao says ‘ligang labas’ gig has La Salle blessing

Kevin Quiambao on his upcoming Gilas Pilipinas stint. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/eFlAJ76bvs

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) November 10, 2024

“I’m super blessed na may opportunity ako na ma-represent yung country natin. Kaunting pahinga lang saglit, sabay back to work na. Take ko lang ito as an opportunity and as a challenge,” said the reigning UAAP MVP. 

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“Yung home court advantage natin. Isa ako sa blessed na maglalaro at malaline up sa Gilas so i-seize ko itong opportunity na ito and hinding hindi ko palalampasin,” he added.

Quiambao powered La Salle with 15 points to complete an elimination round sweep of the University of the Philippines, 77-66, and secure the top seed in the Final Four.

READ: UAAP: La Salle clinches top seed, beats UP again

The versatile forward is grateful for La Salle’s support in his upcoming stint before the Final Four.

“Credit doon si coach Migs Aytona yung strength and conditioning coach namin. Alam niya kasi kung anong load sa katawan ko, Kung mag unload ako. Yung factor ng recovery, alam niya lahat.  So, tiwala lang ako sa system niya. Lagi ko lang sinusunod kung anong gusto niya. So if naffeel ko na medyo napapagod ako nagsasabi naman ako sa kanya. So, yun, two-way street kaming dalawa ni coach,” he said.

La Salle will wrap up its elimination round stint on Wednesday against the also-ran National University on Wednesday at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.