The La Salle forward continues to grow as a basketball player.
“Na-culture shock ako.”
This was how La Salle Green Archers big man Kevin Quiambao described his first practice with Gilas Pilipinas last year.
Then an incoming rookie for the Green Archers, Quiambao knew there was so much work cut out for him ahead of the FIBA Asia Cup.
“Pro na mga kasama ko. Mga kasama ko mas matatanda sa'kin. Kailangan mag-adust kasi yun nga, bata. Every practice 'yung role ko pahirapan lang sila nang pahirapan,” he said in an episode of the Shoot First podcast.
But once he stepped on the court, Quiambao played like a veteran. With his incredible court vision and passing ability, the 6-foot-4 forward was even compared to NBA MVP Nikola Jokic.
He normed 6.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in the tournament in Indonesia.
During his stint with the team, there was one veteran who made life difficult for him. In a good way, of course.
“No. 1 si Kuya Poy,” he said with a smile, referring to TNT Tropang Giga big man Poy Erram. “Competitive talaga si Kuya Poy kahit sa practice. Pero ngayon ie-explain niya sayo lahat kung ba't ginagawa [niya] 'yun.”
The experience paid off. In the ensuing UAAP season, the La Salle ace averaged 11.23 points, 6.54 rebounds, 3.23 assists, and 1.08 steals to earn the Rookie of the Year honors. La Salle, however, missed the Final Four bus.
Now Quiambao is again named to the national team pool, from which coach Chot Reyes will form his squad for the sixth and final window of the qualifiers later this month.
The 21-year-old Quiambao continues to grow as a basketball player. And another stint with Gilas will definitely go a long way in his development.