The term “hero ball” tends to have a negative connotation in basketball, but Kevin Quiambao may have just created a new meaning for it with his minute of magic. 

The DLSU Green Archers’ championship aspirations were fading fast in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 87 Finals as the UP Fighting Maroons were getting the right shots at the right time. There was certainly a ton of pressure on Quiambao’s shoulders, especially on a day he was officially named a back-to-back UAAP MVP. Many tend to shy away from the spotlight, more so when the lights shine brightest and the stakes are at an all-time high. 

Quiambao simply went all out. 

The 23-year old led La Salle’s 10-2 run to close out Game 2, as he was responsible for eight of those points. Quiambao’s two huge 3-pointers against Quentin Millora-Brown and KQ stopper Jacob Bayla brought back life into DLSU’s title hopes. The attention he drew because of his big shots then created an opening for an easy Michael Phillips basket that put the Green Archers ahead for good. 

After the game, It was clear Quiambao left it all on the court and it’s easy to understand why his emotions took over. Even before the finals began, there was a ton of chatter on what Quiambao would do after. Others viewed it as a distraction, but it surely meant more for the subject of all these conversations. He was a new father after all, and not only was he carrying the hopes and dreams of his young child, but also for everyone that belonged to the Lasallian community. 

The weight of the expectations must’ve felt heavier in Game 2 as there were some parallels to Game 1. The Fighting Maroons had another strong third quarter performance and Quiambao was struggling to get into the rhythm not just for his scoring, but also his passing. 

The lead did look insurmountable as the seconds ticked away, but hope springs eternal for those that keep trying and one of Quiambao’s best traits is his persistence. And in a moment when La Salle needed him the most, he showed up. 

Do great plays define THE player or do great players make THE play? There’s a fine line between the two and in the grand scheme of things and it may not matter to the DLSU Green Archers, who have a ton of players who qualify for both. 

However, on a night where he has cemented himself as college basketball’s best player, Kevin Quiambao showed that it’s his game that will do all the talking despite all the noise coming from all corners. And when all is said and done, he’ll make sure his name and his game are etched into Lasallian lore.