Reigning UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao is raring to show his full talent for Strong Group when it competes in the 33rd Dubai International Championship on Jan. 19 to 28. 

The 22-year-old forward, who steered De La Salle to its 10th UAAP title over a month ago, is suiting up for the Filipino squad for the second straight year. 

During Quiambao’s maiden appearance in the Dubai tiff, the Charles Tiu-coached Strong Group was handed a quarterfinal exit.

This time, though, the 6-foot-5 Quiambao is seeing action in his fittest and finest form, having won all individual awards in the UAAP Season 86 and delivering two rare triple-double records to conclude a brilliant sophomore year. 

In a matter of one year, Quiambao’s hard work propelled him to the top as he became the most decorated collegiate player in the country. 

“First of all, gusto namin mag-champion. Ayun naman ‘yung main goal. Pero take lang namin siguro one game at a time. And hindi namin pwedeng maliitin lahat ng kalaban dahil nga international teams ‘yung kalaban namin,” Quiambao said. 

“Super confident dahil alam namin ‘yung roles namin and kung ano ‘yung mga drills nila coach Charles (Tiu), coach Brian (Goorjian). Sobrang laking tulong nila kung paano nila kami agad buuin in that short span of time,” he said. 

Quiambao is actually no stranger to being part of an NBA-bannered lineup as Strong Group previously had the services of former stars Nick Young and Renaldo Balkman.

With former Los Angeles Lakers big man Dwight Howard reinforcing the rotation this year, Quiambao is determined to make the opportunity matter when Strong Group vies for the Philippines’ second title. 

“Super happy dahil kung ano ‘yung matututunan namin sa kanila (imports and veterans) dadalhin namin sa future careers namin dito sa Pilipinas. And i-take advantage lang namin ‘yung short time na kasama namin sila. Sobrang excited kami maglaro, nonetheless,” said Quiambao. 

Also joining Quiambao in the squad is his La Salle teammate Francis Escandor along with their head coach Topex Robinson as the trio seek to provide championship firepower and experience to Strong Group. 

Although the team’s lineup is yet to be completed in the practice with the last-minute addition of Gilas Pilipinas sniper Matthew Wright, who just arrived a day prior, Quiambao has his complete  trust on full display to the coaching staff. 

“So far wala pa naman. Si coach Charles (ina-assess) pa ‘yung strengths and weaknesses ng team. Kumbaga ‘yung chemistry binubuo niya pa para maging solid pagdating doon sa Dubai. I think ‘yung coaching staff na ‘yung bahala siguro sa scouting,” he said.