Kevin Quiambao has been chasing a dream that many Filipino hoopers only dare dream of: a spot in the NBA Summer League.
Since arriving in the United States on July 3, the 6-foot-7 forward has been navigating the unpredictable road of NBA opportunities.
Some of the workouts and tryouts he hoped for didn’t happen, but the former UAAP Most Valuable Player — whose trip was backed by Strong Group chairman Frank Lao and Monching Talisayon — among others, stayed patient.
Now, with help from a Filipino coach and a well-connected NBA agent, Quiambao is about to take a big step forward.
Patrick Tancioco, founder of Better Basketball, was also invited by Pure Sweat founder Drew Hanlen to help out and learn during the NBA Pro Day in Las Vegas.
The 24-year-old forward, who currently plays for the Goyang Sono Skygunners in the Korean Basketball League, landed a rare opportunity to showcase his talents in front of NBA scouts.
The private scrimmage is set for Monday, July 15 (Tuesday, July 16 in the Philippines) at The Wynn Las Vegas, hosted by Excel Sports Management — one of the premier player representation agencies.
The door was opened thanks to a connection made by Tancioco.
Tancioco connected Quiambao to Tim Edwards of Excel Sports, who has worked with several Filipino standouts, including Juan Gomez de Liaño, Kobe Paras, and Matthew Aquino.
“Having worked with Filipino players for as long as I have, I always keep tabs on all of them,” Edwards, who also serves as a lawyer, told Tiebreaker Times. “Coach Patrick is a great resource and is constantly giving me suggestions on the best Filipino talents. KQ has been on my radar for quite some time — he has unrealized potential.”
Edwards, whose eye for international talent has helped Asian players land deals in the B.League and other overseas leagues, first heard of Quiambao during the latter’s senior high school years at National University Nazareth School.
“Simple — I love basketball, and I got into this industry to help players achieve their dreams. I also love underdogs,” Edwards shared.
“KQ has all the intangibles I look for when evaluating a player.”
The scrimmage at The Wynn is no ordinary run.
Only a select group of elite, invitation-only prospects were granted access.
But thanks to the collaboration between Tancioco and Edwards, Quiambao made the list.
It’s a crucial moment for Quiambao. T+he NBA is an entirely different beast — and this scrimmage will be an assessment of where he stands among top-tier talent.
“They’re extremely important,” Edwards explained. “NBA teams have a global reach with their scouting departments, but anytime you can get decision-makers and unique international prospects in the same gym, it’s a completely different experience from just watching film.
“How does he communicate on the court? How does he compete? How does his size compare to NBA players? These are questions you can only answer by seeing the player in person.”
While the goal is to earn a spot on a Summer League roster, the opportunity in itself is a win.
The exposure, feedback, and competition will only sharpen Quiambao’s game and increase his visibility among scouts and decision-makers.
“These experiences are invaluable,” Edwards emphasized. “There is no better opportunity to compare where you are at as a player than competing against guys who have been to the top and played in the NBA. If you can show you belong, the sky is the limit.”
For Quiambao, this Las Vegas moment is another leap forward.
“KQ is special and I want teams to see that up close and personal,” Edwards said.
