February 07, 2025

‘Always ready’: Kevin Quiambao making most of opportunity to play with Gilas big bros in FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers

‘Always ready’: Kevin Quiambao making most of opportunity to play with Gilas big bros in FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers
In 17 minutes, Kevin Quiambao scored 15 points while making three rebounds and two assists. | Photo (c) FIBA

Gilas Pilipinas hardly felt Kevin Quiambao’s presence early in their 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers match against Hong Kong on Thursday.

Well, not until the fourth period.

The reigning UAAP MVP, part of the 12-man roster coach Tim Cone intends to keep for a four-year program, put the finishing touches to the resounding 94-64 romp of the home team at the Tsuen Wan Sports Centre.

[RELATED STORY: Paris? LA? Gilas Pilipinas' road to Olympics begins in FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, says Tim Cone]

The La Salle star finished with 15 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the field. He also had three rebounds, two assists, and a steal in over 17 minutes of action.

Although the scores were already out of reach in the final minutes, Quiambao dropped 11 of Gilas’ last 13 points to make the win more convincing.

The 22-year-old Quiambao later said he was simply ready.

“Always stay ready, no matter where you play in our country, this is for the flag,” he said during the post-game press conference.

[RELATED STORY: Filipinos fans make Gilas' FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers opener vs Hong Kong feel like home game]

He will bring the same mindset when the Philippines duke it out with Chinese Taipei at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Sunday.

Gametime is set at 7:30 p.m., with Quiambao looking to make the most of his playing minutes.

[RELATED STORY: Why Gilas should be wary of Cheng Liu, Chinese Taipei in FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers]

“I will give my 100 percent every possesion, every playing time I get,” he said. “I’m just glad to be here with my kuyas and to play my 100 percent.”

Fans can watch the game on One Sports, One Sports+, RPTV, and the Pilipinas Live app.

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