Is Kevin Quiambao joining the New York Knicks?
For Strong Group Athletics head coach Charles Tiu — he’s not.
In a social media post late Thursday, Tiu denied rumors that Quiambao will be headed for the National Basketball Association after the Knicks reportedly invited him to be part of its Summer League team in July.
The 6-foot-6 Quiambao has been drawing attention with his impressive performance in the 33rd Dubai Invitational Basketball Championship.
In fact, he stole the thunder from NBA veterans Dwight Howard, Andre Roberson and Andray Baltche when he scored a tournament-high 24 points in their 89-67 beating of Al Wahda before carving a 19-point performance in their 104-95 win over Homenetmen two days ago.
Then, he dropped a team-best 20 points in Strong Group’s 95-73 win over Beirut Sports Club followed by another 17-point effort in their 91-89 escape of erstwhile unbeaten Al Ahli Tripoli last Thursday to remain unscathed in the prestigious event.
So far, two teams have already expressed willingness to tap the sweet-shooting reigning University Athletic Association of the Philippines Most Valuable Player — the national team of the United Arab Emirates and a club team from the Middle East.
But Tiu said the Knicks have yet to reach out.
“Can I just say, there is nothing about Kevin Quiambao and the Knicks right now,” Tiu said.
Tiu’s statement is a flat denial to the issue circulating on social media on Thursday.
Strong Group head of public relations Miguel Rocha also confirmed on social media the Knicks’ offer, sparking excitement over the possibility of having a full-blooded Filipino compete in the Summer League since Kai Sotto tried his luck for the Orlando Magic last year.
Rocha, however, took down his social media post.
