Kevin Quiambao capped off a stellar first season in the KBL by being named the 2025–26 Rookie of the Year, becoming the third straight Filipino to earn the honor following RJ Abarrientos and JD Cagulangan.
The award was announced Thursday during the KBL Regular Season Awards Ceremony at the Grand Intercontinental Seoul Parnas in Gangnam-gu.
Playing for Goyang Sono, the versatile 6-foot-6 forward put together an all-around rookie campaign, averaging 15.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists across all 54 games.
Quiambao led all rookie candidates in scoring, rebounding, and playmaking, while guiding the Skygunners to their first-ever playoff appearance in franchise history.
(C) KBL
Prior to his professional breakthrough, Quiambao established himself as one of the Philippines’ brightest talents in the UAAP.
He is a two-time UAAP MVP, UAAP Season 86 Finals MVP, and UAAP Season 85 Rookie of the Year, showcasing a complete skill set that translated seamlessly to the professional stage.
“It is an honor to receive the Rookie of the Year award,” Quiambao said in his acceptance speech.
“I am grateful not only to the club officials but also to the fans in Korea and the Philippines.”
His Rookie of the Year award coincided with Lee Junghyun’s Domestic MVP recognition.
