Kevin “KQ” Quiambao’s journey toward the NBA is a compelling story of ambition, talent, and national pride—one that has captivated basketball fans across the Philippines and Asia. As of July 4, 2025, Quiambao has officially arrived in Sacramento, California, preparing for the NBA Summer League from July 10 to 20, 2025, where he’ll don the Kings’ colors and take another step toward realizing a long-held NBA dream.
Born April 22, 2001, in Muntinlupa, Philippines, Quiambao developed his game through barangay pick-up courts, high school glory, and collegiate dominance. He rose to prominence during his time with the NU Bullpups, achieving back-to-back championships, before moving on to become a cornerstone of De La Salle University’s Green Archers. In just two seasons (2022–2024), he amassed a slew of awards—twice earning UAAP MVP, Finals MVP, Rookie of the Year, and dominating in the Mythical Team—while registering historic multiple triple-doubles, the first in UAAP’s Final Four era .
In December 2024, Quiambao transitioned to the professional stage, signing with the Goyang Sono Skygunners in South Korea’s Korean Basketball League (KBL). His decision, announced just hours after a UAAP finals loss, was part of a strategic pivot toward the NBA. With KBL averages of 16.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.3 steals across 23 games, he caught attention not just for his stats but his versatility and dedication.
Beyond Korea, Quiambao has also answered national service calls. He debuted for Gilas Pilipinas in 2022 and participated in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers, averaging solid contributions. Despite this, no full-blooded Filipino has ever reached the NBA; the closest was Kai Sotto, who sampled the Summer League with the Orlando Magic in 2022 but didn’t secure an NBA roster spot.
Quiambao’s mission in Sacramento is amplified by the presence of Jimmy Alapag, Filipino-American legend and former PBA star, now serving as a player development coach with the Kings. Their mentor‑mentee relationship could prove invaluable ([manilastandard.net][1]).
His arrival on July 3 follows months of preparation, including a full offseason redirected from rest to relentless training. He traveled from Manila in June after launching his Adidas signature sneaker, the adizero Select 3.0 “KQ63,” a milestone marking the first player edition sneaker by a Filipino athlete .
During a Cebu event in April, Quiambao expressed his enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity, acknowledging the support from brands like Lao’s Strong Group Athletics and the Skygunners. He emphasized that even a slim chance at the NBA is better than none.
This humility and hunger reflect his journey: from barangay games where he was first taught basketball by his father and grandfather, to US training camps in Sacramento, all with a “nothing to lose” mindset .
In Sacramento, he’ll participate in pre‑Summer League training camps, which began around July 3. These camps serve as auditions to land a Summer League roster spot. The official competition runs July 10–20, where Quiambao will go head-to-head with fellow hopefuls—many also vying for NBA digs.
Summer League is a demandingly narrow gateway: a tiny fraction of invitees secure a roster position, let alone an NBA contract. Quiambao, at 6’4″ with a 6’8″ wingspan, is undersized compared to typical NBA forwards. His future hinges on standout skills—defensive tenacity, 3-and-D potential, playmaking, and high-impact versatility .
The Kings, navigating without a lottery pick, are leaning on players like Quiambao as affordable, high-upside options. Jake LaRavia’s departure to the Lakers leaves room for a hardworking, multi‑faceted player to earn minutes.
Despite playing in the KBL, a league that yields scant NBA talent, his performance has rung alarm bells. The calibre may not match Australia’s NBL or the EuroLeague, but his stats and adaptability give him a legitimate floor ([spin.ph][8]).
On top of Olympics-like international exposure, he’ll now contend with top-tier athleticism and scouting focus. Summer League offers per diem support, housing, and meals—a chance to prove he belongs .
For the Philippines, KQ embodies possibility. Following Sotto’s near‑miss, he is the next wave—backed by Korean pro seasoning, collegiate dominance, and national team experience.
Cultural resonance also matters. Quiambao’s Adidas sneaker is a symbol of growing Filipino representation in global basketball. He’s not just playing; he’s inspiring a generation .
Forever a Green Archer at heart, he has not forgotten Gilas Pilipinas. He remains committed to wearing national colors, with aspirations for forthcoming tournaments like the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup .
So as he faces off in Sacramento this July, here are the key storylines:
There are undeniably long odds. Less than 0.001% of Summer League invitees make an NBA roster, per statistical analysis . His KBL background lacks the pipeline of leagues like Australia’s, who’ve sent multiple players to the NBA. He’ll need to stand out in relentless summer games against athletes fighting for a break .
Yet, every sliver of opportunity counts. Quiambao embodies an underdog spirit—versatile like a wing-forward, cerebral as a facilitator, tough on defense, and with a three-point stroke that demands respect. He’s already reshaped narratives in the Philippines and Korea; the NBA stage is next.
His arrival in Sacramento isn’t just an arrival—it’s a statement. He’s here to train, to compete, and to fight. Regardless of the outcome, he’s already succeeded in adding a Filipino chapter to global basketball discourse—ushering future generations toward the same aspiration.
Come July 10, as the Kings tip off in the Summer League, all eyes—especially in the Philippines, Sacramento, and across Asia—will be on Kevin Quiambao. His journey from Muntinlupa courts to Sacramento’s spotlight represents more than a personal quest—it’s the story of a nation stepping onto the NBA horizon.
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