A Gilas Pilipinas star in the making.
In the eyes of coach Tim Cone, that’s what Kevin Quiambao is especially after displaying ice in his veins during the Philippines’ 95-88 overtime win over Saudi Arabia in their do-or-die encounter for a spot in the 31st FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinals.
The 24-year-old showed poise and composure as one of the youngest in the Gilas roster by coming up with clutch baskets including two 3s in the extra period that had the Filipinos finally taking control after a long, uphill fight.
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“Kevin is not afraid of the moment. I think that’s the best way to describe Kevin. Nothing’s too big for him,” said Cone of the one-time UAAP MVP out of La Salle.
“He just got that kind of personality. He’s gonna bring it all the time, and he’s not going to be afraid to step up and take the big shot when it’s presented to him. And that’s not always the case with a lot of players and that’s what makes him special.”
Quiambao complemented the team-high 29 points of Justin Brownlee by finishing with 17 points along with fellow young gun AJ Edu.
He had 11 points in the first half, went scoreless in the second, but bounced back big in the overtime period when he drained two triples in a breakaway that saw Gilas outscore the home team, 16-9.
And for Cone, Quiambao has yet to still reach his full potential in his national team duties.
“We’re still learning a lot about Kevin because he is the young gun on the team. He’s I think, the youngest player. I’m not sure, either him or Carl (Tamayo),” said the Gilas mentor.
“He’s battling for his position, he’s battling for his minutes, and he just keeps wowing us. He’s winning those battles,” added Cone.
Quiambao currently ranks No. 3 in Gilas scoring with an average of 10.8 points, while adding 1.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and shooting close to 37 percent from deep (7-of-19).
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