‘He simply retains wowing us’

Kevin Quiambao hits massive pictures in extra time as Gilas Pilipinas overcomes Saudi Arabia to remain alive within the FIBA Asia Cup and prepare a quarterfinal conflict with defending champion Australia

MANILA, Philippines – If this FIBA Asia Cup has confirmed something, it’s that Tim Cone can rely on Kevin Quiambao to make issues occur for Gilas Pilipinas.

Quiambao got here up massive because the Philippines booked its spot within the quarterfinals, sinking key buckets in a 95-88 extra time win over host Saudi Arabia on Monday, August 11 (Tuesday, August 12, Manila time).

Stepping up for injured teammate Calvin Oftana, Quiambao chalked up 17 factors, 3 assists, and three steals to assist the Nationals keep within the working and prepare a last-eight conflict with two-time defending champion Australia.

“Kevin’s not afraid of the second. I believe that’s the easiest way to explain Kevin,” stated Cone.

“Nothing’s too massive for him. He’ll play the identical approach whether or not he’s taking part in right here within the Asia Cup or if he’s taking part in within the barangay league. He simply bought that form of character.”

“He’s going to deliver it on a regular basis and he’s not going to be afraid to step up and take the large shot when it’s offered to him. And that’s not all the time the case with quite a lot of gamers and that’s what makes him particular.”

Prior to now, Quiambao usually solely bought vital taking part in time from Cone in decisive victories.

Take the Asia Cup Qualifiers for instance because the two-time UAAP MVP averaged practically 19 minutes in a pair of blowout wins over Hong Kong and a lopsided overcome Chinese language Taipei, placing up 11 factors, 4.7 rebounds, and a pair of.3 assists.

However he by no means noticed the ground in a historic win over New Zealand and a slender loss to Chinese language Taipei.

Even within the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Event, Quiambao averaged simply practically 5 minutes in opposition to world-class groups Latvia, Georgia, and Brazil.

Towards Saudi Arabia, although, Quiambao closed the sport for Cone, hitting a pair of three-pointers in a 12-2 begin within the further interval that allowed the Philippines to interrupt away.

He performed virtually all the extra time and logged practically 32 minutes.

Following his efficiency in opposition to the hosts, the 24-year-old Quiambao upped his scoring common to double figures at 10.8 factors, rating third within the crew behind Justin Brownlee (23.3) and Dwight Ramos (17.3).

“We’re nonetheless studying rather a lot about Kevin as a result of he’s the younger gun on the crew,” stated Cone.

“He’s battling for his place, he’s battling for his minutes, and he simply retains wowing us. He’s successful these battles. He’s turning into a significant cog, one other man we will throw in there.”

Cone hopes to get one other gem of a recreation from Quiambao because the Philippines shoots for an upset of Australia on Wednesday, August 13. – Rappler.com