Kevin Quiambao Shines in KBL Return Despite Loss

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Kevin Quiambao is back and healthy again for the Goyang Sono Skygunners basketball club after returning to the hardwood from a right ankle injury.

A tweaked ankle spoiled his Korean Basketball League (KBL) debut two weeks ago, but Quiambao is finally cleared from all medical requirements and laced up for Goyang in their game against the Anyang JKJ Red Boosters on January 28, 2025.

Despite the 64-94 loss, the former UAAP champion and MVP played well in his first full official KBL game, showcasing his all-around prowess that drew oohs and aahs from the Korean basketball crowd.

Quiambao logged in 29 minutes and 29 seconds and even played as a starter, capping off the game with 14 points, five assists, and four rebounds.

The former De La Salle University (DLSU) superstar immediately made his impact in the opening seconds when he stifled an on-point dime to his cutting teammate that opened up the scoring for Goyang.

In the 7:54 mark of the opening quarter, Quiambao sank his first basket of the ball game after cashing in a face-up jumper from the left block.

Quaimbao then electrified the Skygunners’ bench after hitting an in-your-face three-pointer that helped them clinch a narrow 9-7 lead for his fifth point in just the opening frame.

Perhaps Quiambao’s biggest highlight moment of the game was when he drained a long three-pointer from the top of the key with only a second remaining, trimming Goyang’s deficit to eight points at the half, 51-43.

Although Quiambao was able to stuff the stat sheets in the last two quarters, the Skygunners folded to the Red Boosters and couldn’t contain their waxing-hot trey party that caused the lead to swell in the second half.

It was still a positive sight to see for Goyang as Quiambao missed their last three games when he underwent rehabilitation for his injured ankle.

Quiambao and the Skygunners will look to bounce back on January 31, 2025, as he rekindles his UAAP rivalry against UP’s JD Cagulangan who is currently the Filipino import of the Suwon KT Sonicboom hoops club.