Gilas Pilipinas’ Kevin Quiambao. Photo from FIBA.
MANILA — Kevin Quiambao is set to briefly set aside his duties with De La Salle University for Gilas Pilipinas.
Currently in the middle of their title defense in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball championship defense, Quiambao will be rejoining the Tim Cone-mentored team as they compete in the November window of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers on the 21st and the 25 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
"I'm super blessed na may opportunity ako na ma-represent yung country natin," said Quiambao after the Green Archers' 77-66 win against the University of the Philippines on Sunday.
"Kaunting pahinga lang saglit, sabay back to work na. Ite-take ko lang ito as an opportunity and as a challenge, and I'm excited sa home court advantage natin. Isa ako sa blessed na maglalaro at mala-line up sa Gilas so i-seize ko itong opportunity na ito and hinding hindi ko palalampasin," he continued,
Aside from Quiambao, another Green Archer in Mason Amos will also be a part of the 15-man pool that the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) announced today.
Also included are overseas players Dwight Ramos, Carl Tamayo, and Kai Sotto, and PBA stars CJ Perez, June Mar Fajardo, and Chris Newsome.
Fresh from their PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup championship clash, TNT Tropang GIGA's Calvin OFtana, and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel's Justin Brownlee, Japeth Aguilar, and Scottie Thompson are also in the pool.
Jamie Malonzo, while still being sidelined with an injury, is still included in the list.
GILAS SZN IS HERE!! 🏀
— SBP (@officialSBPinc) November 11, 2024
Presenting the 15-man pool of Gilas Pilipinas for Window 2 of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers! ⛹️♂️
Watch the games this November 21 and 24 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. pic.twitter.com/ziHBhp8P68
Noticeably, former Ateneo de Manila University star and Gilas member Angelo Kouame is also included in the pool of players whom Cone will be choosing from when they return to action about two weeks from now.
Kouame previously played under Cone in last year's Asian Games wherein they won the gold in Hangzhou, China.
He can provide size and interior defense for the Philippines who will face New Zealand on November 21, and Hong Kong on November 24, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
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