Kevin Quiambao proved once again that he’s born ready after an amazing performance off the bench for Gilas Pilipinas.
Although it didn’t translate to a win after Gilas got beaten by an on-target Chinese Taipei, 87-95, at the start of the 33rd FIBA Asia Cup early Wednesday (Manila time), Quiambao’s outing gave a ray of hope for the Filipinos’ campaign in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The De La Salle University product finished with 17 points on 6-of-10 field goal shooting and added four rebounds and two assists in 16 and a half minutes of play.
Quiambao’s biggest basket came in a furious rally by the Filipinos midway in the final period when he nailed a step-back three-pointer that cut Taiwan’s advantage to only six.
“Well, you know, he came out and played with a lot of energy, hit some big shots for us, but, you know, just still came up short,” Gilas head coach Tim Cone said.
Quiambao’s effort gave something positive for Gilas to build on heading into its next two games against New Zealand tonight and Iraq in its last Group D assignment on Saturday.
“But in terms of the way Kevin played… Kevin played very, very well and he was the highlight of the team,” Cone added.
His explosive tournament debut was a testament to his work ethic and dedication to serving the tricolors.
“I keep on telling myself to have the ‘stay-ready mentality.’ Coach Tim (Cone) trusts in me. So, I need to repay his faith in me,” the former University Athletic Association of the Philippines champion and Most Valuable Player said.
Quiambao is expected to get more minutes to help Gilas get back on the right track in its bid to end a 40-year title drought.