Kevin Quiambao is in constant communication with five teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA) Summer League that unwrapped on Thursday in Las Vegas.
Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone said Quiambao has a good chance of making it to the Summer League as he is now talking — and working out — with at least five NBA teams.
The sweet-shooting forward is in Sacramento, California right now to try his luck in the Summer League. Although he was not part of the Summer League roster of the Kings, the 24-year-old Quiambao remains high on the list of coaches, scouts and talent evaluators.
“I’ve been in communication with KQ (Quiambao) and he has a workout with five NBA teams on the 11th,” said Cone, refusing to divulge the names of the NBA teams who are giving Quiambao a solid chance.
“On the 11th, he’s working out in front of five NBA front offices and so that will kind of dictate his schedule after that.”
If luck bounces off his way, Quiambao will become the latest Filipino to see action in the annual preseason tourney, following the footsteps of Ray Parks in 2015, Kiefer Ravena in 2016 and Kai Sotto in 2023.
Sideliners believe that seeing action in the Summer League is not impossible for Quiambao due to the support of former Gilas star Jimmy Alapag, who is now part of the coaching staff of Doug Christie at the Sacramento Kings.
Also, Quiambao was rumored to have been invited by the New York Knicks to compete in their Summer League squad following a solid performance for Strong Group Athletics in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship last year.
With uncertainty hounding Quiambao’s availability for Gilas, Cone bolstered his roster with four players in RJ Abarrientos, Troy Rosario, Rhenz Abando and Zav Lucero in preparation for the FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah from 5 to 17 August.
Aside from Quiambao, also doubtful for regular Gilas trainings are Calvin Oftana of TNT Tropang Giga and June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez of San Miguel Beer, who will be figuring in a best-of-seven finals duel in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.