Gilas Pilipinas' Kevin Quiambao in action. Photo by Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News
MANILA, Philippines – There were no hard feelings for Kevin Quiambao after not seeing action against New Zealand last Thursday in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
Instead, the young Quiambao asserted that he's just ready anytime he ever gets called up.
And he proved that on Sunday, scoring eight points, collecting five rebounds and four assists in Gilas Pilipinas' demolishing of Hong Kong at the Mall of Asia Arena, 93-54, to help the national team go undefeated across two windows.
READ: FIBA: Big game from Carl Tamayo powers Gilas' rout of Hong Kong
After the game, Quiambao said he knows his role as a "young player."
"'Di naman [nakakapanghinayang]. Nakuha naman natin 'yung panalo and then historical naman 'yung win pero ayun nga, as a young [player], as baguhan dito sa Gilas tanggap ko naman yung role ko," said Quiambao.
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"Ayun nga, steady, ready lang ako palagi. Darating opportunity na 'yan. 'Di mo alam kung kailan darating, pero staying ready lang palagi," he also said.
Quiambao immediately went to a gym to train after a no-call-up against New Zealand--which showed his passion for the game.
"I think ano lang, passion lang siguro talaga," the 23-year-old star said.
READ: 'Great team win': Kai Sotto downplays stellar outing for Gilas against New Zealand
"Dahil ayun nga, once na ma-call, dumating 'yung opportunity, kailangan maging ready ako. Ayun, dumating nga ngayong laro na 'to."
Next for "KQ" is returning to collegiate play, aiming for a title repeat in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament.