Kevin Quiambao Drops Career-High in First KBL Win

JUST when you thought you knew how brilliant Kevin Quiambao is, he reminds us that he has yet to realize his full potential with a remarkable performance in the Korean Basketball League (KBL). 

Quiambao provided a preview of what’s to come after delivering a career-high effort to seal his maiden win with the Goyang Sono Skygunners, 86-82, over Wonju DB Promy on Sunday. 

The former DLSU Green Archer came up big, scoring a career-high 36 points, including a clutch performance in the fourth quarter, dropping 10 of his points and two game-winning free throws.

Given how well-rounded his game is, as witnessed in the UAAP, Quiambao also recorded a double-double with 12 rebounds, along with three assists, and two steals. 

Reintroduced himself

KQ set his career high in UAAP Season 87 with 29 points against the UST Growling Tigers, which he surpassed 10 days later with a 33-point performance against the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

Quiambao reintroduced himself as Goyang got out to a fast start, establishing a large lead early on. Wonju trailed 29-50 at the end of the first half, which they attempted to overcome in the final two quarters. 

On the other side, KBL MVP Ethan Alvano attempted to steal the game, finishing with 18 points, eight assists, and five rebounds. Lee Gwan-Hee also finished with 29 points, three rebounds, and one assist.

This is also the Gilas Pilipinas member’s first win on the court since his debut on January 12. The SkyGunners ended a four-game losing streak, improving to 11-24 on the season. 

More to Improve

It should be noted that Quiambao suffered an early ankle sprain in his debut game. He was expected to be gone for an extended amount of time, yet he was able to recover from his foot injury and return quickly. 

This game demonstrated to many basketball fans how excellent a player he is, as he had to perform as if he had not recovered from a foot injury, delivering effective back-to-back game performances for his team.

However, there is a lot of work to be done, as Goyang remains last in the standings, and Wonju suffered their fourth consecutive loss. They are on the verge of missing the playoffs in the current rankings, with a 16-20 record. 

Quiambao is ready to resume action with Gilas Pilipinas as the national team is expected to fly to Doha soon to commence its preparation for the third and final window of the 2025 FIBA. The Asia Cup qualifications will take place later this month.