NEVER gun-shy.
National team versatile wingman Kevin Quiambao showed he was ready to rise to the occasion yesterday, providing the much-needed boost for Gilas Pilipinas in its do-or-die victory over host Saudi Arabia.
“First of all, thank you kay God nagkaroon kami ng opportunity na makabawi despite na mainit ang run nila (Saudi) noong fourth quarter,” Quiambao said on the heels of the Philippines’ gripping 95-88 overtime win over the Falcons in the quarterfinals of the FIBA Asia Cup at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
“Next man up lang kami, dalawang personnel ang nawala sa amin ngayon and then tiwala lang sa systema ni coach Tim and sa lahat ng sumusuporta sa Pilipinas ngayon,” he added.
The 6-foot-5 Quiambao saw action for 32 minutes and made the most of it with 17 points, one rebound, three assists, and three steals, backstopping naturalized star Justin Brownlee, AJ Edu, and Dwight Ramos in the extra period.
Coach Tim Cone was understandably elated with how the former two-time UAAP MVP with La Salle showed his true worth.
“Kevin is not afraid of the moment. I think that’s the best way to describe Kevin. Nothing’s too big for him and he’ll play big. He’ll play the same way, whether he’s playing here in the Asia Cup or if he’s playing in a barangay league,” Cone said of his prized ward.
“He’s just got that kind of personality. He’s going to bring it all the time and he’s not going to be afraid to step up and take the big shot when it’s presented to him and that’s not always the case with a lot of players and that’s what makes him special.”
Cone will now have an added weapon aside from the likes of Brownlee, Edu, Ramos, Scottie Thompson, Chris Newsome, and reigning eight-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo when the Nationals tackle world No. 7 and defending two-time champion Australia in the knockout quarterfinals tonight at the same venue.
“We’re still learning a lot about Kevin because he is a young gun on the team. He’s battling for his position and he’s battling for his minutes and he just keeps wowing us. So, he’s winning those battles,” Cone said. “He’s becoming a vital cog, another guy we can throw in there with Justin, Dwight, New and Scottie, June Mar, and AJ. He’s another guy we can throw in there.”
