KEVIN QUIAMBAO is set to take a major leap toward his ultimate dream as he heads to the United States next week, to kick off his preparation for the NBA Summer League this July.
The Filipino basketball sensation is scheduled to leave for the U.S. next week to undergo a personal training camp—an essential step in his journey to become the first full-blooded Filipino to play in the NBA.
This exciting news was revealed during the pre-launch event of his Adidas Adizero Select 3.0 Player Edition ‘KQ63’ in Taguig, a milestone moment as he becomes the brand’s first Filipino athlete to receive a Player Edition shoe.
Realizing Dreams
No doubt, the former De La Salle University star has always been unafraid to take risks. Under the spotlight of the UAAP, Quiambao never backed down—if anything, he thrived even more under pressure.
Now, as he maps out his future, the 6-foot-6 versatile forward is simply hoping things fall into place. He’s looking to elevate his already impressive career, with eyes set on reaching the NBA no matter how slim his chances are.
“I’m flying out next week to the US, training muna,” Quiambao said during the event on Wednesday. “Ako lang mag-isa pupunta doon, so hopefully, good things will happen.”
However, Quiambao recently inked a three-year contract extension with his Korean Basketball League (KBL) squad, the Goyang Sono Skygunners. He remained silent on whether his training camp hints at a potential NBA Summer League appearance.
“No one knows,” he pointed out. “‘Di ko alam pa kung anong future naka-handa sa akin. Basta ako, right now, I’m working as hard as I can.”
“Super positive ako. All for gain naman eh, nothing to lose ako. If ever walang makuhang opportunity, balik ako sa Korea,” he went on to say.
KBL Return?
After sustaining an ankle injury in his debut game that sidelined him for a period in Korea, the two-time UAAP MVP still managed to post averages of 16.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.3 steals across 23 games for Goyang Sono.
Though making it to the NBA remains his top aspiration, Quiambao admitted that if things don’t go as planned, he would likely return and play a full season with his KBL team for the 2025–2026 campaign.
“Bitin,” Quiambao said, describing how he felt after finishing a short season with Goyang Sono. “23 games lang yung nilaro ako, so excited ako na merong buo [next season].”
Quiambao is projected to be one of the Skygunners’ key players in the future, especially after a stretch where he showcased his full potential—even with limited minutes because of his injury.
For now, his sights are set on the training camp and aiming high in the NBA Summer League. As Quiambao himself put it, learning is never a loss. Every lesson must be seen as a win.
