Baldwin heaps praise on Quiambao, compares him to UAAP icons

Photo sources: UAAP Media Team

Many people, if not everyone watching UAAP basketball, are impressed by the overall brilliance of Kevin Quiambao on a basketball court. You can add multi-titled Ateneo Blue Eagles mentor Tab Baldwin to that list.

“Kevin’s just a really good player. You know, he’s elite in terms of UAAP standards from what I’ve seen over my eight years,” Baldwin said following La Salle’s victory over Ateneo on Sunday, September 15.

Quiambao’s scoring was limited to just 13 points on 4-of-14 shooting thanks to the Blue Eagles’ box-and-one defensive strategy – Ateneo’s goal was to get the ball out of his hands – but the reigning UAAP MVP found other ways to contribute, including 13 rebounds and 7 assists. KQ’s +/- of +13 tied teammate JC Macalalag for a game-high.

“He should be mentioned in the same breath as a Carl Tamayo, a Thirdy Ravena, and a Justine Baltazar. That’s where he’s at, really, especially in terms of when you’re talking just about the Filipino players, as you’re alluding to. He doesn’t just score. He reads the game well, he passes the ball well, and he’s a leader in that team,” Baldwin added.

For context, Tamayo played two years in the UAAP, leading the UP Maroons to their first championship in 36 years against Baldwin’s Blue Eagles in 2022, and then another finals appearance a few months later.

Ravena won three championships with Baldwin from 2017-2019, winning Finals MVP each time. He’s in the conversation for most the successful Blue Eagle ever in terms of winning.

Baltazar won a UAAP title with La Salle as a rookie in 2016 then established himself as one of college basketball’s best players in his remaining years as a Green Archer. He recently was selected first overall in the 2024 PBA Draft.

Quiambao already has a Rookie of the Year award, an MVP award, a UAAP title, and a Finals MVP plum. He could add to those accomplishments this season depending on how far La Salle gets.

“In crunch time, he has the ability to step up. So he deserves the respect he’s getting. When you play a box-and-one on somebody, that’s one of the highest signs of respect that they can get,” Baldwin mentioned.

“And we were happy with it. You know, he shot 28% in the game. We felt we gave him a lot of problems, but he did those extra things, rebounding and finding his teammates that a really good player does when their opponent tries to take them out of the game. So full credit to Kevin. He’s nothing but a real force and somebody that every team has to, you know, [especially] prepare for.”

Along with UP’s JD Cagulangan, Quiambao is currently leading the MVP race in the early going of this UAAP season.