Quiambao Announces Transition From UAAP to Korean Basketball League

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

After a decorated collegiate basketball career in the Philippines, De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers superstar Kevin Quiambao is set to embark on a new journey and will join the professional ranks confirmed on December 16, 2024.

In a social media post updated by Quiambao on his official Facebook account, the UAAP’s back-to-back Most Valuable Player (MVP) announced that he will render his services to the Goyang Sono Skygunners basketball club competing in the Korean Basketball League (KBL).

With the sudden move, Quiambao just concluded his UAAP hoops career, leaving a legacy to the DLSU basketball community as one of the greatest collegiate players to ever wear the green and white threads.

Quiambao’s decision came after they lost against the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons during an epic three-game UAAP championship series.

Despite failing to keep the crown in Taft and complete their back-to-back championship campaign, Quiambao’s performance solidified his status when he steered DLSU to a come-from-behind Game 2 win that forced the winner-take-all deciding Game 3.

Quiambao’s collegiate stint can be explained as a mix of artistry and finesse, as his play style evolved from a one-dimensional power forward to an all-around efficient star.

Since arriving at DLSU, Quiambao improved his numbers until they reached the pinnacle after raising the golden trophy during the UAAP Season 86.

Rumors already broke in social media days before the UAAP Championship series began, when SPIN.ph reported that Quiambao would immediately leave the country to play for the KBL.

Quiambao kept mum when the news went viral, but several DLSU-affiliated social media pages posted that it was all part of the antics to disrupt the preparation of the Green Archers for the finals series against the Fighting Maroons.

The six-foot-seven stalwart will follow the footsteps of his Gilas Pilipinas and NU HS teammate Carl Tamayo, who is now playing for the Changwon LG Sakers in the KBL.

“With that being said, my college career comes to an end, I will pursue my NBA dream and start my journey by playing professional ball in Goyang Sono SkyGunners and develop my game even more,” said Quiambao in his Facebook post.

Good luck in turning pro, King Archer!