Quiambao achieves evolution with breakout Gilas stint

MANILA, Philippines — The evolution of young gun Kevin Quiambao was “not unexpected,” Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone said, as the two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player showcased his growth in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup.

Quiambao was one of the bright spots of the team, which bowed out in the quarterfinal round of the regional tournament. There, he averaged 12.0 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. 

He is third in Gilas’ scoring behind the 20.6 points per game by Justin Brownlee and 16.8 markers a contest by Dwight Ramos. 

“The whole idea is if we look at the big picture that we are trying to do here, is we are trying to build a team. How do you build a team? You get a younger player to mix in with veteran players and you let that young players to evolve and get better through experience and opportunity,” Cone said in an interview with One Sports’ Power and Play with Noli Eala. 

“And that's what KQ has done. That's the reason why he put him on the team in the very beginning. He is our young gun along with Carl Tamayo. We wanted those development pieces because we knew over time, they will elevate our game because they will elevate their own game,” he added.

“And, KQ has done that. He has evolved, he has gotten better as we expected and as we hoped.” 

Despite playing just 16 minutes and 35 seconds against Chinese Taipei, Quiambao finished with 17 points. He provided the spark for the squad but ultimately, it fell short. 

And after back-to-back quiet performances against New Zealand and Iraq, the former La Salle Green Archer balled out against host Saudi Arabia in the qualification matchup with another 17-point outing. 

Quiambao then capped things off with a 17-point, four-rebound performance against Australia in the quarterfinals, where he led the team in scoring with Brownlee held to just 10 points.  

“He’s not afraid of the moment. He is ready to play anytime. He is ready to play at a high level. He’s not gonna be fearful, he's not gonna be afraid to take the shots although I must admit in our first couple of tournaments we played he was a little bit afraid to take that,” he said. 

“He was the young gun. He didn't want to really step in because he has his veterans, he was a little bit hesitant to really show his game but over time, and this is what happens to young players, they get comfortable, they get comfortable with their teammates. They start showing in practice and their teammates start believing in them. 

“And that’s been the evolution of KQ and it is not unexpected.” 

Cone underscored that Quiambao is going to be one of the vital cogs of the team, along with other young guns Ramos, AJ Edu, Carl Tamayo and Kai Sotto. 

“You got a great core of players moving forward and developed. So is this the best this team is going to be? No, they are gonna get much, much better and that was the whole point of the big picture of looking at it over four years rather than just this tournament or the last tournament,” Cone stated.

“Having a broader view of what we’re trying to accomplish. That’s… we hope we have the time to continue to do that and whether we have the continued support.” 

Gilas will return to action later this year for the first window of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.