GOOD NEWS for Filipino basketball fans, as Kevin Quiambao returned earlier than expected, making his formal debut in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) after having his first game cut short due to an ankle strain.
Quiambao returned to the Goyang Sono Skygunners on Tuesday afternoon, January 28, after missing over two weeks with a right ankle strain. While it was great to see him play again, his presence was still insufficient.
The newly crowned PSA’s 2024 Mr. Basketball (Amateur) performed well, but his team still suffered a devastating 69-94 loss to Javi Gomez de Liaño’s Anyang JKJ Red Boosters.
Welcome Back, KQ!
Quiambao’s second professional game at the Goyang Sono Arena lasted 29 minutes and 29 seconds. He also had 14 points (5-for-15 shooting), five assists, and four rebounds.
Despite the poor shooting and disappointing loss, it is realistic to believe that the two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player is still adjusting not only his game, but also the feel of his floor movement now that his foot has recovered.
It can be remembered that KQ hurt his right ankle at 7:42 in the second quarter of their 57-84 loss against the Seoul SK Knights on January 12, forcing him to miss the Skygunners’ following three games.
Photo Courtesy: @sonoskygunners_official | Instagram
Nonetheless, the first half was close, with Goyang Sono trailing 43-51. However, Anyang JKJ went on a strong 24-15 run, leaving Quiambao’s team behind 58-75.
Entering the final quarter, the Red Boosters’ main aim was to simply hold on to their lead, which they accomplished and proved to be too much for the struggling Skygunners, who trailed 90-65 with 2:12 left in the game.
Gilas Pilipinas Ready?
On top of his KBL return, Quiambao is set to fly from Korea to Doha on Feb. 12 to join Gilas Pilipinas for a pocket tournament, in preparation for 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers’ final window, where he will be available, as per veteran sports figure Quinito Henson.
“KQ will arrive on Feb. 12 and fly with us to Doha on Feb. 13. As far as I know, he’ll be able to play in the February window,” Gilas assistant coach and team manager Richard del Rosario told Henson of Quiambao availability.
It was initially rumored that Quiambao would be sidelined for a month to heal from the injury, compromising his hopes of playing for the national team next month, which has already lost a vital player in Kai Sotto to an ACL injury.
However, a following assessment indicated that the former DLSU Green Archer merely sustained a Grade 1 sprain, which will just keep him out for two weeks for rehab, strengthening, and healing.
The Qatar, Lebanon, and Egypt national teams will compete in the Doha pocket tournament from Feb. 14 to 16.
Gilas is set to travel back to Manila from Doha before flying to Taiwan for the qualifying game against Chinese Taipei on Feb. 20 and Auckland for the rematch against New Zealand on Feb. 23.
