Kevin Quiambao heads to Sacramento, explores NBA hoop dreams 

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‘Hopefully, good things will happen,’ says Kevin Quiambao as he flies to the US after his pro basketball debut in Korea

MANILA, Philippines – Kevin Quiambao continues to explore pro basketball opportunities overseas, including the NBA, as he flies to Sacramento next week. 

Quiambao, who just wrapped up his first season with the Goyang Sono Skygunners in the Korean Basketball League (KBL), said he’s set to join a training camp in Elk Grove in Sacramento County.

“Hopefully, good things will happen,” the two-time UAAP men’s basketball Most Valuable Player told reporters during a pre-launch event of his adidas sneaker on Wednesday, June 4. 

“I’m super positive [about the training camp]. All for gain, nothing to lose. If there’s no opportunity, I just go back to Korea,” he added. 

Quiambao said there are no outstanding offers, but he remains open to potential stints, whether in the NBA Summer League or G League, just like other Filipino stars before him — Kai Sotto, Ray Parks, Kiefer Ravena — who had hoped to pursue their NBA dreams.

“I do not know what the future holds for me, but I’m preparing as hard as I can,” said Quiambao.

The former La Salle stalwart joined his Korean squad mid-season early this year, jumpstarting his professional career after wrapping up a stellar UAAP run highlighted by two MVP awards and a championship with the Green Archers.

In the KBL, he posted averages of 16.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.3 steals in 23 games. 

Although the Skygunners failed to advance with a 19-35 record, Quiambao’s performance was enough to merit him a three-year contract extension. 

Quiambao also confirmed that he will see action for Gilas Pilipinas if he gets the call-up once again, as the Nationals gear up for several international games this year. 

“I will never replace Gilas for any another team.”

On Wednesday night, Quiambao became the recipient of global brand adidas’ first Filipino player edition footwear, launching his own colorway of the adizero Select 3.0 dubbed “KQ63” — paying homage to the Philippine youth. 

In collaboration with local visual artist Quiccs, the shoe was already worn by Fil-Am guard Jalen Green last April, when the Houston Rockets played during Filipino Heritage Night. 

Green also wore it again during the Rockets’ opening round against the Golden State Warriors. 

“For me, it feels extra special that I’ve collaborated with a local guy that we all know is a generational talent and we’re all rooting for him to do well in his career,” Quiccs said. 

“The only request of Kevin Quiambao was to make it neon pink… I think that it’s a very youthful color,” said the designer, noting other similar color schemes in the NBA. – Rappler.com