If there’s a testament to the unique nature of the UAAP, you need not look further than the DLSU Green Archers’ opening game for UAAP Season 87. 

The Green Archers collected victories and trophies here and abroad in their buildup for Season 87 and it looked like the opponents facing them would be in for an uphill climb. Instead, it seems like La Salle would be the one doing the climbing. 

Too often were the NU Bulldogs able to blow by DLSU’s defense and what should have been solid defensive stops instead turned into second-chance points for the Bulldogs. There were moments the Green Archers would try to push the pace as their talent allows them do so. However, there’s value in being patient and not doing so led to wasted chances on offense for La Salle. Moreover, the careless turnovers and shaky offensive possessions exposed DLSU’s lack of stability at point guard. 

The Green Archers looked out of sorts in their season opener and while a loss would have not been a disaster, it would have nonetheless been unideal. 

Fortunately for La Salle, Kevin Quiambao wouldn’t take an L for an answer. 

Quiambao wanted to spread the wealth early and proceeded to pick his spots. It would be unfair to call him tentative when he was trying to get his teammates involved (Quiambao finished with a game-high seven assists), but it wasn’t leading to much success. The reigning UAAP regular season and Finals MVP needed to take over. 

It was clear Quiambao was capable of doing so, but it’s different when he follows through on it. NU was clearly trying to make him a facilitator, but even their best efforts on defense failed to stop his layups and 3-pointers. He was deliberate in his approach and did not waver with his confidence. The former NU Bullpup’s ability to work within the system and also become the system was evident as he orchestrated a 14-4 run with 11 points scored and assisted, reminding us all that if you come at the kings of the UAAP, you best not miss. 

We’ve seen three different Men’s 5×5 Basketball champions since the UAAP resumed following the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Ateneo Blue Eagles completing a three-peat back in 2019. DLSU’s path to back-to-back UAAP titles won’t be easy, especially with what came to light against NU.

The Green Archers’ current point guards in Lian Ramiro, Matthew Rubico, and Ethan Alian may need to get up to speed with life in the UAAP because having Quiambao and Joshua David take the floor general role won’t be sustainable against the likes of the UP Fighting Maroons. Aside from that, Henry Agunnane must find his footing before he faces seasoned big men who will take him out of the game. It’s great, though, that La Salle has more depth in the frontcourt to help Quiambao out because despite outrebounding the Bulldogs, it felt like the other way around. The Green Archers showed flashes of their preseason brilliance when their defense prevented NU from breaking away early on. Maintaining that intensity will be critical as their schedule gets tougher. 

Thankfully, there’s still a lot of basketball to be played so there’s time to work things out. 

Nothing can truly prepare a team for the UAAP than playing the games themselves. Just ask the DLSU Green Archers, who despite a stellar preseason needed every ounce of Kevin Quiambao to outlast the NU Bulldogs. Things will continue to run through Quiambao, but he can’t do it alone. A player can have great influence on a championship, but a team needs to come together for a dynastic run.