Kevin Quiambao says focus is on recovery, La Salle, and Gilas

Fresh off a campaign with Strong Group Athletics in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship, Kevin Quiambao spoke about some of the reports about him in recent days.

The reigning UAAP MVP from De La Salle University clarified that he has yet to receive any invite to play for the New York Knicks in the NBA Summer League, stressing that his current focus is mainly on his recovery following a grueling stint in Dubai that saw them fall to Al Riyadi in the finals.

"For now sabihin nating wala pa. Wala pa talaga," Quiambao said as he watched the PBA semifinals game between Magnolia and Phoenix Super LPG on Wednesday at the MOA Arena.

[For now, let's say there hasn't been anything yet.]

Currently, Quiambao is only thinking about what's in front of him.

The 22-year-old forward shared that he is looking to rejoin the Green Archers soon in their buildup for the UAAP Season 87, where they will look to defend their crown.

"Focused lang talaga ako sa pagpapahinga ko ngayon and can't wait na makabalik na sa La Salle next week. So focused muna sa La Salle at kung anuman ‘yung dumating na blessing siguro sa time na ‘yun, doon ko lang malalaman lahat," he said.

[I'm just focused on resting now and can't wait to get back to La Salle next week. So I'm focused on La Salle and whatever blessing comes then, that's when I'll find out.]

Quiambao is also tipped to join Gilas Pilipinas soon as he was included in national team head coach Tim Cone's 12-man roster for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers set next month where he will team up with a mixture of PBA players and Japan B. League imports.

"Kung anong role ang ipagawa sa akin ni Coach Tim, kung ano man ‘yung pwede kong maitulong sa bansa natin, gagawin ko," he said of the upcoming Gilas stint.

[Whatever role Coach Tim asks of me, whatever I can do to help the country, I'll do.]

Before he bolsters Gilas and lead the Green Archers anew, the 6-foot-7 big man looked back on his recent stint with the Charles Tiu-helmed Strong Group, saying his switch to a wing position will definitely help him enhance his resume.

"Super saya na nakuha ko ‘yung breakout game ko nu’ng eliminations but sobrang sad dahil nga hindi namin nakuha ‘yung championship and hindi man lang ako nakapuntos nu’ng finals," he said.

"Under coach Charles sobrang laking tulong, sobrang laking boost para sa career ko dahil hinayaan niya lang maglaro ang isang KQ na maging wing at kung anong gusto kong gawin sa court. Kumbaga may approval siya na gawin ko lahat sa court, pakita mo lang ‘yung kakayahan mo."

[I'm super happy that I had a breakout game during the eliminations but I'm very sad because we weren't able to win the championship and I wasn't even able to score a point in the finals... Under Coach Charles, it's been a big help, a huge boost for my career because he just allowed me to play as a wing and let me play the way I wanted on the court. He gave his approval for me to do everything on the court, just show what I was able to do.]

—JMB, GMA Integrated News