Kevin Quiambao is set to fly to the United States next week, carrying with him the hopes of a nation as he attempts to become the first-ever full-blooded Filipino to make it to the NBA.
Speaking during the pre-launch party of the adidas Adizero Select 3.0 “KQ63” last Wednesday, the 24-year-old forward revealed that he’s making the journey alone—without any guarantees or a clear path—in pursuit of a shot at the NBA, possibly by earning a spot on a Summer League roster.
Tiebreaker Times first reported the development last April 15.
“I’m flying out next week for USA. Training muna and then yeah,” said Quiambao.
“Wala, ako lang. Ako lang mag-isa pupunta don. Hopefully, good things will happen.”
Quiambao shared that he’s embracing the uncertainty ahead with a nothing-to-lose mentality.
With no familiar faces around him, he’s choosing to bet on himself—carrying the same grit and work ethic that took him from De La Salle University in the UAAP, to the Korean Basketball League’s Goyang Sono Skygunners, and now possibly, to the NBA.
(C) KBL
“All for gain naman eh, nothing to lose ako,” he said. “No one knows. Hindi ko alam kung anong future nakahanda sa’kin, basta ako right now I’m prepping as hard as I can.”
Quiambao is coming off an impressive stint with the Skygunners, where he averaged 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.3 steals per game—numbers that earned him a three-year contract extension with the team.
The two-time UAAP MVP also confirmed that should the NBA opportunity not work out, he plans to return to the Skygunners, who continue to support his aspirations.
Despite his international pursuits, Quiambao also reaffirmed his dedication to the Gilas Pilipinas program.
“Always open sa Gilas. Never ko ipagpapalit ‘yung Gilas sa kahit anong team. I’m very thankful na meron akong opportunity to play sa Gilas anytime.”
#WATCH: Kevin Quiambao says having a PE shoe is a huge boost to his dream of becoming the first full-blooded Filipino in the NBA 🇵🇭👟
📹 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/Dt36rz8zVy
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) June 4, 2025
