Kevin Quiambao, the reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player, proved his readiness during the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, thanks to the steady mentorship of Gilas Youth head coach LA Tenorio.
Despite sitting out the Philippines’ historic 93-89 win over New Zealand, Quiambao showcased his versatility in the 93-54 blowout against Hong Kong. He contributed eight points, including two three-pointers in the fourth quarter, along with five rebounds and four assists in 22 minutes of play.
Mentorship from LA Tenorio
Quiambao credited Tenorio for keeping his mindset strong.
“Unang-una si Coach LA Tenorio. Nung hindi ako nakakuha ng minutes against New Zealand, lagi niya ako pinapaalalahanan na stay ready lang. Naging professional lang rin ako na basketball is basketball. Walang personalan. Para sa akin, ready lang naman ako palagi,” Quiambao shared.
Adjusting to a New Role
As a go-to player at La Salle, Quiambao admitted that adapting to a more complementary role in Gilas was a challenge, but one he readily embraced.
“Hindi naman [ako nanghihinayang na hindi ako nakalaro.] Nakuha naman natin ‘yung panalo, and then historical naman ‘yung win. As baguhan dito sa Gilas, tanggap ko naman ‘yung role ko,” he said.
Quiambao took on the “dirty work” for the team—grabbing rebounds, hustling, and boxing out—a new but welcomed responsibility.
“Kailangan gawin ko ‘yung dirty works: rebounds, hustle, and box out. Bagong role siya sa akin. Pero tinanggap ko naman,” he added.
A Team-First Mentality
Gilas head coach Tim Cone echoed this approach, emphasizing the team’s collective mindset.
“This is not an all-star team. We’re not out there to showcase our individual skills. And we gotta come together as a team,” Cone said. “That’s what I love about this team. They really accept that idea. It makes it so much easier from a coaching standpoint to handle this team. I love this team.”
Moving Forward
As the Philippines advances to the FIBA Asia Cup in Saudi Arabia next year, Quiambao will return to La Salle armed with valuable lessons from his Gilas stint.
“Sobrang laking boost nito para sa akin. Dahil isa ako sa mga leader sa La Salle. So ‘yung experience na ‘to dadalhin ko, ipapayo ko sa mga teammates ko sa La Salle. Hindi rito natatapos lahat; kailangan ko pa magtrabaho,” Quiambao concluded.