When Kevin Quiambao gets going, there is nothing quite like it in the UAAP today.

The DLSU Green Archers’ star is already on pace to win a second consecutive UAAP Most Valuable Player award, but what is scary for the rest of the league is that it seems like he is only getting better as the season progresses. 

In La Salle’s most recent game, Quiambao was brilliant yet again. He led the defending champions to a mighty 80-65 win in their second round match-up versus their archrival ADMU Blue Eagles, setting a new career-best with 33 points. The 6’4 forward made 10-of-22 field goals, including five-of-11 three-point shooting, while he also hit all eight of his free throw attempts. 

Quiambao’s 33-point outing eclipsed his previous high mark of 29 points which he set just 10 days prior in their victory over the UST Growling Tigers. There were stretches when he single-handedly kept Ateneo at bay, putting up 24 of his 33 points across the second and third quarters.

Over the Green Archers’ last three contests, including this win against ADMU, Quiambao is averaging 26.3 points per game. He has managed to pull this off even as the primary target of opponents’ defensive schemes and with a hand in his face on almost every occasion. 

What makes Quiambao’s scoring exploits even more impressive is that he is far from a score-first player. Compared with the other DLSU greats who have posted 30-point games against Ateneo in recent history, he is vastly different. Renren Ritualo, Joseph Yeo, and Jeron Teng were all known as “go-to guys” who could generate baskets at an all-time level when needed.

Meanwhile, Quiambao has always been team-oriented and looks to make the right play at all times, even if it means passing up a good shot for a great one. Majority of his points come within La Salle’s offense and one of the few weak points of his game is actually his ability to create his own shot in isolation.

Quiambao’s preference to stay within DLSU’s system is evident in his assist numbers. Coming into their win versus the Blue Eagles, he was fourth in the entire UAAP in assists per game with 4.6, behind only the league’s three best point guards–Forthsky Padrigao of the UST Growling Tigers, the UP Fighting Maroons’ JD Cagulangan, and his teammate Josh David.

On a team that is as deep as this year’s Green Archers, Quiambao’s pass first mentality has an amplifying effect on the court. He is surrounded by shooters who can capably knock down three-pointers or finish at the basket. This, in turn, makes it difficult for opposing defenses to truly zero in on him, has fed into his increasing point totals, and should only continue to do so as the season winds down.

With his strong second round so far, a second consecutive UAAP MVP award looks all but secured for Quiambao. His strong play has also put La Salle, who now have a 10-1 win-loss record, in a prime position to take home back-to-back championships. The Green Archers seem to be peaking at the right time once again, though they still have to go through the mighty UP Fighting Maroons on the road to the championship.

Many questioned Quiambao’s decision following last year’s stellar season to stay with DLSU for another year instead of accepting an offer to play for an overseas professional team. While some have indeed flourished abroad, there are many more who have struggled and returned home. This extra year with La Salle has given Quiambao an opportunity to hone his skills in a high stakes environment and he is emerging as a much more complete player because of it. 

Kevin Quiambao has played like a man amongst boys in the UAAP this season and in the near future, it would not come as a surprise if he continues to dominate on the basketball court, regardless of where he ends up.