AFTER a lengthy wait, Kevin Quiambao’s debut game in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) ended in disappointment as the former back-to-back UAAP MVP of the DLSU Green Archers sustained a right foot injury.
Quiambao, the new member of the Goyang Sono Skygunners, can’t seem to catch a break, as his already delayed debut game was cut short when he twisted his ankle against the Seoul SK Knights on Sunday.
The 6-foot-6 do-it-all forward of Gilas Pilipinas entered the game in a strong rhythm, hitting two three-pointers and grabbing a single rebound before exiting at 7:42 in the second quarter.
Quiambao, although being a never-say-die player, was helpless as he severely twisted his ankle. The Asian import’s right foot landed on his defender’s foot and completely rolled it before hitting the floor.
The Skygunners were down by just 29-30 at the time, but Quiambao was unable to return to the game. This could have had an impact on Goyang Sono’s performance, as they lost to Seoul 57-84.
Unfortunate start of the year
In an Instagram story, Quiambao thanked all of his followers for their well wishes despite the early setbacks he had, saying, “Thank you for the prayers and support! Be right back soon, Sono Fighting!”
Meanwhile, Kai Sotto, who plays in the Japan B.League, suffered an unexpected injury last week. The 7-foot-3 center tore his ACL last week and will most likely be gone for 6-9 months, depending on his recovery.
Sotto is already expected to miss the final window of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, but he hopes to return for the Asia Cup in August. Quiambao, despite his ankle injury, can possibly return in a few weeks.
There’s hope in Tamayo
Despite all of the devastating news that Filipino basketball fans have heard in recent days, Carl Tamayo has been on a tear, impressing everyone with back-to-back performances in the KBL.
The former UP Fighting Maroons standout scored a career-high 37 points while shooting an unbelievable 15-for-15 on two-pointers and 17-of-19 overall from the floor, adding 7 rebounds and three assists.
Gilas Pilipinas’ future star forward followed this up with another great performance, scoring 31 points, while adding eight rebounds, and two steals in an 86-82 clutch win over the Anyang JKJ Red Boosters.
Tamayo is already averaging 15.3 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.0 SPG, and 0.3 BPG in just 25 games, with a 55.8 FG%, 25.0 3P%, and 68.1 FT% for the Changwon LG Sakers in 26.6 minutes of play.
JD Cagulangan, a former teammate of his in UP and a two-time UAAP Champion who made his Suwon KT Sonicboom debut on Saturday, also had an impressive game with seven points, nine assists, five steals, and four rebounds.
How useful was this post?
Click on a star to rate it!
Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0
No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.
We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!
Let us improve this post!
Tell us how we can improve this post?