Versatile forward Kevin Quiambao has been turning heads with his brilliant performance for Strong Group Athletics in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship.
His display of amazing basketball skills, high basketball IQ and energy is now drawing interest from Middle Eastern clubs.
In fact, the reigning University Athletic Association of the Philippines Most Valuable Player has reportedly been approached by the United Arab Emirates Basketball Association over the possibility of playing for their national team as a naturalized player.
“I’m excited for KQ (Quiambao). He called me up when he got the news and was just excited to even be considered. Whatever his decision is, I will support it,” Strong Group head coach Charles Tiu told DAILY TRIBUNE on Tuesday.
The 6-foot-6 forward has been making a name for himself in the tournament.
He currently leads the squad on offense, averaging 18.67 points per game. The De La Salle University sophomore is also pulling down 4.0 rebounds, and dishing out 3.0 assists per outing.
Quiambao is a key factor in Strong Group’s 3-0 win-loss record in Group B. He’s been providing steady support to former National Basketball Association players Dwight Howard, Andray Blatche, Andre Roberson and McKenzie Moore.
It’s no wonder Quiambao is getting this much attention.
But Tiu is confident his prized player won’t get distracted by the outside noise and will keep his focus on helping SGA bring the crown back to the Philippines after three years.
“KQ doesn’t need any help being focused. He’s always locked in,” he said.
As for the potential shift to UAE, things will be easier said than done.
First, Quiambao would need to secure a release from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to play for another national team. He has also suited up for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup and the 2023 FIBA World Cup qualifiers, making his jump a long shot if not impossible.
Strong Group will play Al Ahli Tripoli of Libya on Saturday at 1:15 p.m. (Manila time) at the Al Nasr Stadium in Dubai as both teams stake their unbeaten records.
“We only have one day off. So it’s a lot of film and meetings,” Tiu said.
“That has been very huge for us. Our chemistry and the imports are great guys so it has been easy so far.”
