After being surrounded by numerous NBA stars in Strong Group Athletics, Kevin Quiambao is looking to apply everything that he has learned for Gilas Pilipinas in the upcoming February window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.
Quiambao, who received a naturalization offer from the United Arab Emirates following his fine play in the Dubai International Basketball Championship, played and shined alongside the likes of former NBA stars Dwight Howard, Andray Blatche, and Andre Roberson.
The reigning UAAP MVP shared that he learned a lot from his experience playing with the three and that he is very eager to use all those learnings in his return to Gilas Pilipinas.
“For me personally, sobrang laking growth nun sa career ko knowing na ayun, napunta ako sa environment na sobrang mga pro na, mga professional (yung nakasama ko). I think ishe-share ko lang yung mga natutunan ko and kung ano yung pwede kong makuhang learnings sa qualifiers, ia-apply ko lang sa sarili ko,” said the 6-foot-6 do-it-all forward, who last represented the Philippines in the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup.
“New set of teammates naman, yung natutunan ko kila Kuya Dwight (Howard) and Kuya Andray (Blatche), sobrang daming lessons, sobrang daming pinagdaanan. This time ibang professional na yung mga kasama ko so focus lang ako kung sinong mga kasama ko ngayon and kung ano yung programa namin.”
Quiambao expressed that he is ready to embrace whatever role Gilas head coach Tim Cone gives him in this window.
“Just be ready lang na to play your role. Be a star in your role,” said the La Salle sophomore.
The 22-year-old pride of Muntinlupa, who was part of Cone’s 12-player core that will represent the Philippines in upcoming international tournaments, also reiterated his commitment to the national team, saying that he plans to be in the program long-term.
Quiambao vowed to make the most out of his opportunity and to become a solid contributor to the Gilas program in the years to come
“Every opportunity naman, tine-take advantage ko lang nang tine-take advantage. Yung four years, ready na ready naman. I’m ready to play for Gilas anytime. Kung anong ano ni Coach Tim (Cone), kung tawagin ‘man ako,” said Quiambao.
“Ayun nga, tulad ng sinasabi ng lahat ng veteran namin na ‘wag namin sayangin yung opportunity dahil ‘di lahat ng tao may ganitong opportunity. Gawin mo lang yung role mo and kung anong matutulong mo sa team whether points, rebounds, kung ano ‘man ‘yan gawin mo lang. Be a star in your role lang yung laging sinasabi sakin ng veterans.”
