New father Kevin Quiambao focused on both title defense, raising a baby
MANILA, Philippines – Reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player Kevin Quiambao just added another chapter to his storied 2024, becoming a father of a bouncing baby boy on Tuesday, September 24.
Quiambao saw action in the La Salle-FEU game on Wednesday, September 25, admittedly lacking sleep — but still had a memorable performance — after watching over his son and partner Faye Aguila in a Muntinlupa hospital.
“It’s a blessing… I am so blessed at this point that I am able to play at the highest level,” Quiambao said after the game.
“I will focus on the season and raising my baby, although it’s hard to balance my time, I will try my best to focus on two aspects — basketball and life,” he added.
The do-it-all forward finished 2 assists shy of a triple-double, tallying 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists in the Green Archers’ 68-62 victory.
Even as La Salle sits comfortably at No. 2 with a 4-1 record early in the Season 87 men’s basketball season, Quiambao will not only juggle his roles as King Archer and new father, but also his studies and GIlas Pilipinas stint.
“Well, it’s one of the things that we’ve discussed prior to the season,” said La Salle coach Topex Robinson.
“We know that he’s going to be in and out, sometimes he’s not going to be in practice, sometimes he might even miss games, but he still has commitments with Gilas.”
Robinson, though, wants his 23-year-old star to also enjoy and embrace the new journey of fatherhood.
“That’s why we always say that KQ is just a part of us but he’s not the whole of us,” said Robinson.
“We’re always going to have guys that are going to step up and guys that are just waiting for the opportunity in case we have KQ in and out,” he added.
“And I guess, we just try to support and protect each other, and again, having the common goal is always going to be important. Whoever the next guy is after KQ.” – Rappler.com