Kevin Quiambao is back in the country, fresh from his silver-medal stint with Strong Group Athletics (SGA) in the Dubai International Basketball Tournament.
The 6-foot-6 UAAP Season 86 MVP was instrumental in the Charles Tiu-led squad’s return to the Finals as he averaged 18 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists in SGA’s seven wins in Dubai.
And despite going scoreless in the championship game as well as falling short of getting the gold, Quiambao bared that he is still grateful for the overall experience.
“Super saya,” said the De La Salle University Green Archers star, who was present during the Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Semifinals between Magnolia and Phoenix Super LPG at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, January 31.
“Nakuha ko ‘yung breakout games ko nung elimination round, but sobrang sad dahil ‘di namin nakuha ‘yung championship and ‘di man lang ako nakapuntos nung Finals.”
“Sobrang laking tulong, laking boost sa career ko dahil hinayaan nila maglaro ang isang KQ na maging wing. Kung ano ‘yung gusto kong gawin sa court, nagawa ko,” he added.
Because of these numbers, alongside his stellar play, Quiambao reportedly got an invitation to try out for the New York Knicks’ Summer League team.
Asked if the reports were true, Quiambao said: “For now, sabihin nating wala, wala, wala.”
“Focus lang muna ako sa pagpapahinga ko ngayon, and I can’t wait na makabalik sa La Salle next week. Focus muna sa La Salle, then kung ano mang dumating na blessing siguro, sa time na ‘yun, dun lang malalaman,” KQ expressed.
Aside from this, Quiambao also got an offer to be naturalized by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and play for their national team.
Here’s what he has to say about that: “About sa UAE, ‘di ko lang sure pero willing to wait sila sa ‘kin. For now, focus muna ako sa Gilas,” explained the former National University Bullpup who was a part of Gilas Pilipinas’ 12-man pool.
“Ito ‘yung nasa harap natin, then malapit na ‘yung window. Siguro paghahandaan ko muna ‘yung window. Siguro, oras lang talaga ‘yung makakapagsabi ng lahat.”
Quiambao will be practicing with Gilas starting February 15, as they ramp up their preparations for the first window of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers. (ABS-CBN News)