Kevin Quiambao is stoked to play and learn from his ex-National Basketball Association teammates in the Strong Group Athletics.
The University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86 Most Valuable Player looks to take advantage of playing alongside eight-time NBA All-Star Dwight Howard and naturalized Filipino Andray Blatche, Andre Roberson and McKenzie Moore in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship set to begin on 19 January.
“These players are such a big influence on me. I know that I will learn a lot from them every day to help me in my young career,” Quiambao said.
The team has been working on their chemistry and is set to fly to Dubai on 17 January.
“Every day, I try to absorb everything that I could learn from them. I’m taking it as a learning process every time,” the De La Salle University standout said.
“Whatever they say, I’ll take it all in and take advantage of this rare opportunity to learn from NBA players. I’ll carry all the things that I will learn from them in my basketball career. (Take advantage) of all the advice and learning they’ll tell me.”
Quiambao is among the young cagers taking part in the prestigious stint under head coach Charles Tiu.
Also on the team are Quiambao’s La Salle teammate Francis Escandor and the core of College of Saint Benilde Allen Liwag, Justine Sanchez and Tony Ynot along with Pampanga Lanterns’ Justine Baltazar, University of the Philippines guard JD Cagulangan and Filipino-Australian guard Jordan Heading.
The 6-foot-6 Quiambao will also get to play under his college coach Topex Robinson, who is part of the coaching staff.
Robinson steered La Salle back to the UAAP throne in Season 86 ending a seven-year title drought last December.
“I’m so happy that we’re still together. We’re now representing the country and I’m happy I get to do that with him. Can’t wait to go to Dubai.”
Last year, Strong group led by Ateneo de Manila University center Ange Kouame, Philippine Basketball Association imports Shabazz Muhammad and Renaldo Balkman with Quiambao, Baltazar, Adamson University’s Jerom Lastimosa and Blazers Will Gozum and Migs Oczon bowed to eventual champion Al Riyadi Club Beirut, 97-107, in the quarterfinal.
