Kevin Quiambao to suit up for Gilas amid UAAP duties

Gilas Pilipinas forward Kevin Quiambao during the Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Kevin Quiambao will be joining Gilas Pilipinas’ roster for the second window of the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers despite the ongoing UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Al Panlilio clarified that Quiambao will be in the national team’s lineup even with his La Salle duties at play.

“He’ll be joining the team. The UAAP has games on the 20th and the 23rd which doesn’t involve La Salle,” said Panlilio in a press conference for Gilas on Wednesday in Mandaluyong,

READ: Kevin Quiambao is Gilas Pilipinas’ ‘future’–Tim Cone

“Rebo Saguisag, who’s also a big part of the journey, talked to us earlier about this plan which started in January this year. This [roster] has been envisioned to go all the way in the World Cup for 2027 and hopefully, the Olympics beyond that.”

Quiambao is currently helping the Green Archers hold the top spot in the tournament with a 12-2 record.

The reigning UAAP MVP is averaging over 17.46 points, 8.77 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game for La Salle.

READ: Kevin Quiambao has added inspiration ahead of latest Gilas stint

Quiambao is also the front-runner to win the MVP award for the second straight UAAP season.

Panlilio emphasized that Quiambao’s inclusion on the national team is a step in the right direction as they aim to go on a “journey” to do better.

“Every window is a stepping stone to the next so this is a journey for the team where we always want to do better so yes, KQ will be around,” Panlilio said.

Quiambao and Gilas will begin their run in the second window of the ACQ on Thursday, next week, at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.