FORMER DLSU Green Archers main man Kevin Quiambao and UP Fighting Maroons floor general JD Cagulangan are both poised to make their debuts and a name for themselves in the Korean Basketball League (KBL).
According to an Instagram account from his first KBL professional basketball team, the Suwon KT Sonicboom, Cagulangan arrived in South Korea in the afternoon of Thursday, January 9, 2025.
The squad posted a video of him coming, indicating a new chapter in his basketball career after leading UP to two UAAP titles, the most recent in UAAP Season 87, as well as a Finals MVP honor.
Over the course of the best-of-three Finals, Cagulangan averaged 13.66 points, 4.33 rebounds, and 4.66 assists, playing a critical role in UP’s redemption after losing to the Green Archers the previous season.
Welcoming new challenges
Cagulangan has been extremely grateful to UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde and the entire university for welcoming him when he transferred from La Salle to the Diliman-based university.
“Wala akong masabi kundi thank you. Sobrang happy ko na napunta ako sa programang ito. Winelcome nila ako nang maayos at deserve ng UP na manalo this season,” Cagulangan remarked after winning the UAAP title.
Meanwhile, the 24-year-old crafty guard faces new hurdles as he is expected to improve Suwon’s performance in the KBL. Currently, the club has a 15-11 win-loss record and is tied for third in the standings.
Quiambao’s turn
On the same day that Cagulangan arrived in South Korea, Quiambao announced on his Instagram account that he had successfully obtained his visa, indicating that he is officially KBL-bound.
Following a long wait and a series of delayed flights, the back-to-back UAAP Season MVP is anticipated to join his new team, the Goyang Sono Skygunners, within a week and make up for lost time.
Coming off a UAAP season in which the Gilas Pilipinas do-it-all forward was heavily relied on, Quiambao’s greatness will be tested once more as he is expected to boost Goyang Sono, who has a 9-17 record.
A step towards the dream
In UAAP Season 87, the 6-foot-6 Quiambao averaged 16.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and a steal, solidifying his case for MVP. This caught the attention of basketball scouts, prompting him to play overseas.
It should be noted that Quiambao made an official announcement on his Instagram a month ago, stating that he will begin his journey toward his dream of playing in the NBA for the Skygunners.
“With that being said, my college career comes to an end. I will pursue my NBA dream and start my journey by playing professional ball in Goyang Sono SkyGunners and developing my game even more,” he said.
Game Time!
Quiambao and Cagulangan will be able to immediately join their respective teams, the Goyang Sono and the Suwon KT, as their Korean Basketball League debuts are set for this weekend.
Cagulangan’s Sonicboom will meet Justin Gutang and the Seoul Samsung Thunder on Saturday at 1:00 p.m., while the Skygunners, led by Quiambao, will face the Busan KCC Egis at 3:00 p.m.
On Sunday, Goyang Sono will meet another familiar face: Juan Gomez de Liano and the Seoul SK Knights, while Cagulangan will face his former teammate Carl Tamayo and the Changwon LG Sakers on Monday.
