KEVIN Quiambao and Mason Amos didn’t look too far for added motivation entering Gilas Pilipinas’ game against Hong Kong in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers.
Not fielded by head coach Tim Cone during the New Zealand game last Thursday, Quiambao and Amos made sure that their focus never wavered ahead of the Hong Kong match-up through their conversations as roommates during this window.
READ: Cone hails Tamayo, KQ, Amos as the 'future superstars' of Gilas
“Actually, before kami pumunta sa hotel namin, nag-usap kami ni Mason na kailangang maging ready kami palagi,” said Quiambao. “Kasi magka-roommate kami ni Mason. Lagi ko sinasabi sa kanya na wag na wag mawawalan ng gana.”
“Young guys tayo dito, dalawa tayo,” said the 22-year-old Quiambao of his La Salle teammate Amos, 19. “Kapag dumating ang opportunity, take advantage mo lang. Ayun nga, dumating nga na binigyan kami ng opportunity.”
Quiambao played 22 minutes and contributed eight points, five rebounds, and four assists in Gilas Pilipinas’ 93-54 win over Hong Kong, while Amos, in 10 minutes, had a decent outing, adding three points, two rebounds, one assists, and one block.
An example of taking advantage of an opportunity for Quiambao was his first basket in the game where he scored a tip-in late in the first quarter.
“Kapag meron kang Kai Sotto sa isang basketball court, talagang advantage na mismatch na marami siyang nakukuhang mismatch. For me na bago dito, ginawa ko lang ‘yung role ko, ‘yung dirty work. Puro scorer kami dito sa team, kailangan kong gawin ‘yung mga dirty work, rebound, hustle, box out,” said Quiambao.
“Bagong role ito sa akin, tinake advantage ko naman at tinanggap ko,” Quiambao said.
Quiambao finds fulfilment in his performance against Hong Kong, as well as the support from the Gilas teammates and fans.
“Sobrang sarap sa feeling na kahit hindi ako nakakuha ng minuto nung last game, may sumusuporta pa rin akin and sa buong team namin. Confidence booster sa amin. Nakuha ko naman ‘yung rhythm ko sa game,” said Quiambao.
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