KQ Hints Next Move, NBA Workouts Up Next

KEVIN QUIAMBAO, one of the country’s brightest basketball players, appears to be making his ambitions of playing in the NBA come true, as he begins to schedule workouts with numerous teams. 

As the saying goes, some people are simply born to defy the odds. Fortunately for the Philippines, Quiambao is one of those people who isn’t scared to test the waters and learn their limits.

In an interview with Nico Rocha’s The 6th Man Podcast, he said that he is currently finalizing his preparations for the NBA Summer League, and even hinted that certain workouts with teams have already been scheduled. 

More than that, the Goyang Sono Skygunners rookie described how his NBA dreams unexpectedly surfaced, with previous league players encouraging him to pursue his lifelong dream and create an opportunity for himself.

A Shot at History

A few days after a report surfaced online that Quiambao was planning to train in the United States, the former DLSU Green Archer star made an appearance and discussed the current opportunities that await him.

“Kapag gusto mo kasing makapasok sa NBA, kailangan mo kasi ng connections eh, from NBA agents. So, luckily I got one,” the former UAAP champion and two-time Most Valuable Player said.

“After this [break], mag-training muna ako sa States, after nun if may kumuhang NBA teams, pero may NBA workouts na ako, pero hindi ko muna sasabihin ‘yung teams. Like four to five teams,” Quiambao added. 

Meanwhile, Quiambao seized the chance to explain why he decided to fly to the US rather than using his 60-day sabbatical after ending his Korean Basketball League (KBL) season early.

“First of all, kaya ako pupunta sa States is for development sa sarili ko. Gusto ko mag-gain ng experience. Gusto ko ma-try kung anong klaseng training, facilities, and development ‘yung pwede ko pang gawin sa sarili ko,” he said.

“Wala, try ko lang, wala namang masamang mag-try. Kumbaga, hindi naman ako matatalo rito kapag nag-try ako eh, walang talo sa pag-try ko na ‘to,” he went on to explain.

Passed Up An Opportunity

Kai Sotto’s desire to play in the NBA has been evident from the start, but Quiambao’s abrupt decision to try his luck has been surprising. This is due to a couple former NBA players who became his teammates and encouraged him.

“First time na pumasok sa isip ko to is when I was playing for Strong Group Athletics, with Dwight Howard and Andre Roberson. Sinabihan nila ako na, why not try the NBA, the most popular league in the world,” he said.

“Dun nagkaroon ng spark sa bumbilya ko na, “Oo nga noh? Why not?” Wala namang masamang mag-try,” he added.

However, we all know that the 6-foot-7 do-it-all forward returned to play for the Taft-based squad, citing his relationships with not only the squad, but the entire university, as the primary reason.

“At that time kasi, I was committed sa DLSU. For me, I don’t want to burn bridges will all those people na naka-surround sa DLSU. So, sinabihan ko sila na I’ll pass up muna dito sa NBA,” Quiambao explained.

“Dahil ayaw ko nga na masira ‘yung relationship ko with all those guys. For me kasi, relationship matters eh. Kumbaga, dadalhin mo sa buong buhay mo ‘yan,” he went on to share.

Despite his stellar showing in the 2024 Dubai International Basketball Championship, which caught the attention of scouts, Quiambao put his NBA hopes on hold for a moment. It has now been sparked by another NBA player.

Slim Chance is Still A Chance

Quiambao, who joined the faltering Skygunners team, was expected to make an instant effect. As expected, he led the team to a few more victories with his outstanding performances, reigniting his grander desire. 

Quiambao, who represented the Philippines well, averaged 16.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.3 steals in only 23 games with Goyang.

“Na-bring up ulit siya last few months, when I came to Korea, when I met Alan Williams naman. Noong may magandang games ako against KCC Egis and the comeback win against Wonju DB Promy,” Quiambao said.

“Sabi niya, try niya raw ‘yung mga connections niya, ‘yung mga kakilala niya sa NBA to check up on me. So [may] guts na, kumbaga uminit ‘yung apoy sa sarili ko na, kayang kaya ko to.”

“Last year sana was the perfect timing for me dahil turning 23 lang ako last year. Ang daming nagsasabi ngayon na 24 is old. But for me, sinabi ko nga sa post ko, a slim chance is better than no chance,” he added.

Raise the Flag

Nonetheless, Quiambao still has an opportunity this summer. He also voiced his excitement at the possibility of becoming the first pure-blooded Filipino to play in the world’s biggest basketball league.

“For me, na galing sa wala at galing sa barangay leagues, sino ba naman ako para mag-try sa NBA, right? Kumbaga, nung time na bata ako, ang dream ko lang naman is to play in the PBA,” Quiambao said.

“It’s a blessed opportunity for me, this a once-in-a-lifetime moment for me, it’s make it or break. Pero kung hindi man ako makuha sa NBA, [I’ll still] gain experience. If makuha naman ako, I’ll represent the Philippines with pride and passion,” he added. 

Despite having plans to play in the NBA Summer League from July 10 to 20, Quiambao confirmed that he is eligible for Gilas Pilipinas’ forthcoming campaign in the FIBA Asia Cup in Saudi Arabia in August. 

While Quiambao’s ambition of making it to the NBA is still unfolding, the signals are clear. He has the skill, mindset, and ambition. What inspires the Filipinos the most is his awareness of the broader picture. 

That he is not simply pursuing a personal goal, but also carrying the hopes of a basketball-crazed nation on his shoulders.

Whether or not he makes it to the NBA, his path is already noteworthy. He is breaking down barriers, reinventing what Filipino athletes can do, and inspiring the next generation. 

But Quiambao knows he’s not done until he’s playing beneath the bright lights of the NBA. When that day comes, it will be a win not only for him, but also for the entire country, which trusted him from the beginning.