For Topex Robinson, Kevin Quiambao’s stint with Gilas Pilipinas is nothing short of a blessing for De La Salle. 

The 49-year-old tactician continued to cherish the reigning UAAP MVP’s active role in the national team which he insisted has been a great contribution to the Green Archers when it came to his commitment with the team. 

Following their back-to-back preseason tournaments in PinoyLiga Cup and Filoil EcoOil Preseason Tournament two weeks prior, Quiambao headed straight in fulfilling his national duty with the Tim Cone-coached Gilas for the first day of its build-up in the upcoming FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament slated next month. 

Quiambao was named in Cone’s original Gilas 12 lineup earlier this year and has already seen action for the Nationals in the first window of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers last February. 

Getting down to work, though weary, Quiambao previously expressed his gratitude in having the full trust of his coaches both in the collegiate and national team. 

With him staying in Taft for at least another year and turning down offers overseas, Robinson could only heave a sigh of relief. 

“Kevin is gonna be a blessing to us. For him to follow up on what he started, keeping our culture alive, he’s gonna be someone our other guys in the team will benefit from,” Robinson said. 

Quiambao’s Gilas call-up came following his dominant sophomore year in the UAAP Season 86 where he guided La Salle to its first championship title in six years and a Finals MVP trophy on another hand. 

Prior to that, the 23-year-old big man had already suited up for the Strong Group-Philippines in the 32nd Dubai International Championship last January that saw him steer the squad to a silver medal finish. 

With Quiambao’s non-stop opportunities to play in the international stage, Robinson lauded his leadership to the team where ever he goes. 

“That’s gonna be something that we could bring with us moving forward. KQ is also gonna be part of the Olympic Qualifiers with Gilas Pilipinas. So, the more that we could have him go out for those kind of tournaments and learn, we’ll benefit as a team,” said Robinson. 

“What he brings in to us is really being the leader that he is. He really sets the tone. In every player that we have, siya na ‘yung naging barometer namin. It’s nice to have a leader like him to show the way and sharing his gifts to our other players,” he added. 

After the Gilas stint, Quiambao is then rejoining La Salle for its first-ever appearance in the prestigious World University Basketball Series happening in Japan in August. 

There, the Philippines will face other collegiate basketball powerhouse which will serve as Robinson’s final attempt in coming up with their team composition for the UAAP season, with Quiambao definitely at the forefront of them all. 

“We still haven’t decided on our final lineup. So this is the best opportunity to see all our new guys. We lost six players to graduation last season, so pretty much half of the team is new. Playing in those preseason tournaments gave us ideas, coaching staff who will make our final 16,” he concluded.