FOR someone who’s known Kevin Quiambao from the time he arrived in Korea to play for Goyang Sono Skygunners, Jaylen Johnson has no doubt the KBL Rookie of the Year award was there for the taking for the Filipino big man.
Referring to KQ as his ‘Filipino brother,’ the Rain or Shine import said the Gilas Pilipinas forward deserved the rookie award the way he’s been putting in the work.
Quiambao, who turns 25 next week, was named the 2026 KBL Rookie of the Year after averaging 15.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.1 steals in leading the Skygunners to the playoffs.
READ It's KQ vs Tamayo in semis as Goyang Sono sweeps Seoul SK Knights
He beat local players and Asian imports for the award, a feat that no longer surprised the 6-foot-9 Johnson, a former teammate of KQ with Goyang Sono prior to the latter accepting the Rain or Shine job.
“Shout out to KQ for winning Rookie of the Year. I wasn’t surprised though. The way he works every day, I wasn’t surprised. I knew he’s the one,” said the 32-year-old Johnson.
The every jolly import said Quiambao, a former Rookie of the Year winner and two-time UAAP MVP with De La Salle, possessed a tremendous work ethic.
“Every award he’s been getting now, he deserves it. I’ve seen him day in and day out, and he’s really working hard,” added Johnson.
Of course, KQ played a major part in Johnson, a product of Louisville University, landing the job at Rain or Shine after serving as an informal scout for the Elasto Painters.
“It’s a good thing we scouted him (Jaylen) through KQ. We asked for KQ’s inputs on Jaylen,” disclosed Elasto Painters coach Yeng Guiao.
Rain or Shine’s lead deputy Caloy Garcia is also part of the De La Salle coaching staff under Topex Robinson.
As the Skygunners head deeper into the KBL playoffs after dispatching Arvin Tolentino and the Seoul SK Knights in their quarterfinals series, the Elasto Painters are also going great guns in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup where they became the first team to reach the quarterfinals after registering their seventh straight win without a loss against Terrafirma on Wednesday night, 124-117.
Johnson professed his affection for KQ for helping pave his way to become Rain or Shine’s import this conference.
“I love KQ. He’s all family,” said the dancing import.
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