The long run appears vibrant for Gilas Pilipinas, with Kevin Quiambao main a brand new era unafraid of the highlight.
The 24-year-old, do-it-all ahead is proving that he belongs on the large stage, giving the nationwide crew a much-needed shot within the arm in its ongoing marketing campaign on the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup.
And nobody acknowledges his affect greater than Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone.
“Kevin just isn’t afraid of the second. I feel that’s one of the best ways to explain Kevin,” Cone stated of his younger gun.
“Nothing is simply too large for him and he’ll play the identical manner whether or not he’s enjoying right here within the Asia Cup or if he’s enjoying in a barangay league. He’s gonna convey it on a regular basis and he’s not gonna be afraid to step up and take the large shot when it’s introduced to him.”
The previous two-time UAAP MVP out of De La Salle College has been large for Gilas Pilipinas.
He fueled a second-half surge throughout Gilas Pilipinas’ opening recreation in opposition to Chinese language Taipei, tallying 17 factors, 4 rebounds, and two assists because the Filipinos fell brief and absorbed a 95-87 loss.
He had restricted minutes in opposition to New Zealand and Iraq, however seized the second when trusted to play virtually the whole recreation of their do-or-die duel in opposition to host Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
Towards the Saudis, the younger ahead posted 17 markers, together with two triples within the extra time, whereas additionally grabbing three assists, three steals, and one rebound to assist steer Gilas to a 95-88 OT escape and guide their spot within the quarterfinals.
To Cone, these are plain proof that Quiambao is rising right into a cornerstone of their program.
“That’s what makes him particular. You realize, we’re nonetheless studying loads about Kevin as a result of he’s the younger gun on the crew. I feel he’s the youngest participant,” Cone added.
“He’s battling for his place, he’s battling for his minutes and he simply retains wowing us. He’s turning into an important cog.”
Gilas Pilipinas will face Australia in the quarterfinals on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.
—JKC, GMA Built-in Information
