By MARK REY MONTEJO
Kevin Quiambao, poised to win his second straight UAAP MVP plum, knows he still has a lot to learn and develop as the newest addition of Gilas Pilipinas squad, and one of the keys for him is to embrace the new-found role that has been given to him.
Good things come for those who wait and that holds true for the 23-year-old forward as he finally had his minutes in Gilas’ 93-54 romp of Hong Kong in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers at Mall of Asia Arena Sunday evening, Nov. 24.
After being “benched” by head coach Tim Cone in the Nationals’ historic 93-89 victory over New Zealand last Thursday, Nov. 21, the 6-foot-7 versatile forward played 22 minutes and did a little bit of everything with eight points, five rebounds, and four assists.
“Sobrang sarap sa feeling ‘yon nga kahit ‘di ako nakakuha ako ng minuto no’ng last game [against New Zealand], may sumusuporta parin sakin,” said the La Salle ace as his entrance to the game drew cheers from the ever-supportive Gilas crowd.
“Confidence booster para sakin ‘yon [and] nakuha ko naman ‘yong rhythm ko [kanina],” he added.
And for Quiambao, it just was just a matter of understanding his role – including doing the dirty work – for a Gilas crew that is already brimming with talent and offensive firepower with 7-foot-3 Kai Sotto, Justin Brownlee and June Mar Fajardo.
“Pag meron kang Kai Sotto sa isang basketball court, talagang advantage na marami kang makukuhang mismatch, so for me as a bago rito, ginawa ko lang ang role ko and ‘yong mga dirty work dahil puro scorer kami rito sa team,”said Quiambao
“Kailangan kong gawin ‘yong mga rebound, hustle, and box outs, ganun, bagong role sakin ‘to,” he added.
Pegged as the future of Gilas, Quiambao, and fellow youngster and La Sallian Mason Amos, knew full well that they have to be patient and they must continue to make the most of the opportunity that is given to them.
“Nagusap kami ni Mason (Amos) na kailangang maging ready lang kami palagi. Kasi magka-roommate kami ni Mason… lagi kong sinasabi sa kanya na wag na wag kang mawawalan ng gana,” said Quiambao.
“Dahil ‘yon youngest tayo dalawa rito, and pag dumating ‘yong opportunity [kailangan] i-take advantage and ‘yon nga dumating nga binigyan kami ng opportunity ni coach Tim,” he stressed.
