Kevin Quiambao shifts attention to Gilas amidst offers and rumors

La Salle’s Kevin Quiambao.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Kevin Quiambao has been quite the revelation recently.

Of course, with the emergence of a star comes offers—real or not—but Quiambao is keeping his focus on whatever’s in front of him.

Following his stint with Strong Group Athletics (SGA) in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Tournament, rumors swirled around–an offer from New York for the NBA Summer League and a naturalization offer from United Arab Emirates.

The UAAP Season 86 MVP addressed both during Magnolia and Phoenix’s clash in Game 4 of the Commissioner’s Cup semifinals, where Quiambao was in attendance.

“For now, let’s say there’s none. I’m just focused on my rest and I can’t wait to get back to La Salle next week so I’m just focused on whatever blessings come my way. Maybe I’ll just think about it when the time comes,” said KQ about offers from New York.

“About UAE, I’m not sure but they’re willing to wait so I’ll just focus on Gilas for now because this is what’s in front of us. The next window is near so I need to prepare for it. I guess only time will tell,” explained the big man on offer for a UAE naturalization.

WATCH: Kevin Quiambao on the news of him having an offer to play for New York in the NBA Summer League.

“For now, sabihin nating wala. Focus lang muna ako sa pahinga ngayon.” | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/exx0qB3EhF

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) January 31, 2024

Right after news of offers coming Quiambao’s way, another one came to fruition right after his silver-medal run with SGA in Dubai.

That is, of course, his inclusion in coach Tim Cone’s 12-man pool for the new Gilas, which saw much of the old but with splashes of new–including Quiambao.

“I’m so blessed to be part of Gilas again. Actually, before I boarded the plane [back to the Philippines] only then did they call me so that’s, maybe, 20 minutes before the flight. I couldn’t sleep on the plane. This time, whatever coach Tim wants me to do or role he gives me, I’ll take it if it’ll help the country.”

Donning the national colors isn’t entirely something new for the Season 86 Finals MVP as he was once a Gilas cadet with then-fellow National University high school standout Carl Tamayo.

Tamayo is also included in Cone’s pool.

Quiambao has experienced playing as a wing with SGA despite his natural position being a center. So if Cone and the coaching staff decide to give him that role in Gilas, the young stretch forward will have no problem adjusting to “the challenge.”

“I’ll take it as a challenge. The international level is so different from the UAAP and if I’m given that type of role by coach Tim, I’ll take it as a challenge and motivation because I know it’s also for my career.”