Breaking: Filipino star Kevin Quiambao has formally been invited to join the Golden State Warriors for the NBA Summer after working out for five different NBA clubs.
Kevin Quiambao, the rising Filipino basketball phenom, has taken a massive step toward fulfilling a lifelong dream: reaching the NBA. After months of speculation and anticipation, Quiambao has officially received a formal invitation to join the Golden State Warriors for the NBA Summer League. This news has not only electrified basketball fans across the Philippines but also validated the years of dedication, skill development, and mental fortitude that Quiambao has poured into his career. This breakthrough moment places him in a unique position among Filipino players striving to reach the world’s biggest basketball stage. His journey—from dominating the collegiate ranks in the Philippines to representing the country in international tournaments and now standing at the doorstep of the NBA—has been nothing short of inspirational.
The path leading to this invitation was neither accidental nor easy. Quiambao recently worked out for five NBA franchises, including Sacramento, Brooklyn, Utah, and others that remain undisclosed. His performances during these private sessions evidently caught the attention of scouts and player development coaches. What ultimately led to this opportunity was his participation in the exclusive Excel Sports Management private scrimmage in Las Vegas. This scrimmage was reserved for select prospects and rising talents, providing a stage to display high-level skill sets against NBA-caliber competition. Quiambao held his own and stood out in a field stacked with NCAA standouts, G-League prospects, and international talent. It was during this scrimmage that he confirmed his versatility—showcasing not only his high basketball IQ but also his ability to make quick reads, switch on defense, initiate offense, and finish plays with strength and finesse.
The Golden State Warriors, known for their fast-paced offense and high basketball IQ system, seem to be an ideal fit for a player like Quiambao. He’s not a traditional big man. Standing at 6-foot-7, he plays more like a hybrid forward—someone who can shift between multiple positions, handle the ball like a guard, and find the open man. His playing style is often compared to that of Nikola Jokić and Draymond Green—players who excel more through smart reads, passing angles, positioning, and versatility than sheer athleticism. Kevin’s experience in the UAAP, where he led the De La Salle Green Archers to a championship and won Most Valuable Player honors, gave him the platform to refine this unique game. Additionally, his recent stint in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) added another layer of toughness and professionalism to his profile. Playing against bigger, older, and more physical competition in Korea prepared him mentally and physically for the grind of the NBA.
For the Filipino basketball community, this moment is monumental. While players like Jordan Clarkson and Jalen Green carry Filipino heritage, Kevin Quiambao stands as a beacon for locally developed talent. His rise challenges long-held assumptions about where elite players must come from to be considered NBA-worthy. He is homegrown, sharpened in the competitive playgrounds, university leagues, and national team programs of the Philippines. His development path offers a tangible blueprint for young Filipino athletes who dream of making it big without necessarily having to migrate or train abroad at an early age. Quiambao’s presence on the Warriors’ Summer League roster is a statement—not just about his potential but about the quality and depth of Filipino basketball.
As for the Warriors, their interest in Quiambao makes sense beyond just the skill set. Golden State has always looked for players who can make quick decisions with the ball, switch defensively, and adapt to complex schemes. Quiambao’s vision and passing from the forward position fits the mold. Furthermore, he brings a defensive tenacity that doesn’t always show up in highlight reels but makes a significant impact in-game—rotating early, contesting shots, fighting through screens, and boxing out. What remains to be seen is how he adjusts to the speed and physicality of the NBA game. The Summer League is a crucible for exactly that kind of development. Rookies, undrafted free agents, and international hopefuls alike use it to earn training camp invites, G-League contracts, or even roster spots.
Quiambao’s upcoming performances will carry weight. Every dribble, pass, rotation, and screen will be evaluated closely—not just by the Warriors’ staff but by representatives of other NBA teams. A standout showing could lead to an Exhibit 10 contract, a two-way deal, or a direct G-League offer. Even if a full-time NBA contract doesn’t materialize immediately, this exposure opens doors in Europe, Asia, and across the global basketball circuit. It’s a win-win scenario: play well, and he could end up as the first Filipino-born player to suit up for an NBA regular-season game; play decently, and he still carves out a professional path that keeps him in the NBA’s orbit.
This invitation also holds cultural and symbolic weight. Quiambao carries not just his personal aspirations but also the hopes of millions of Filipino fans. He is, in many ways, a representation of the modern Filipino athlete—disciplined, global-minded, and capable of competing on any stage. His journey through the national team system, his decision to remain in college longer than most projected, and his eventual entry into international play via Korea were all calculated moves. Each step prepared him for this exact moment. The patience in his career trajectory is unusual in an era where many young stars rush toward the pros. That patience might now be paying off.
It’s also important to acknowledge the role of his support system. His family, trainers, college coaches, and national team mentors helped shape his path. So did the management agency that facilitated his workouts and placed him in the Excel Sports scrimmage. In the hypercompetitive world of NBA recruiting, every opportunity must be maximized. The fact that Quiambao’s name stayed in circulation—despite not declaring for the NBA Draft—speaks volumes about how highly regarded he is. NBA teams see potential in players who can impact the game in multiple ways without demanding the ball. Quiambao fits that mold: he’s a connector, a glue guy, and a tactical asset who makes everyone around him better.
The coming weeks will be crucial. The Warriors will evaluate not just how he performs on the floor, but how he interacts in team settings, how he responds to coaching, and how he handles the pressure of the moment. Summer League isn’t just about points and rebounds—it’s about demonstrating adaptability, professionalism, and potential. Quiambao’s maturity, which he’s consistently shown through interviews and public appearances, could set him apart from the typical rookie. NBA front offices take note of that. A player who listens, learns quickly, and shows humility alongside talent is considered a strong asset.
Looking forward, fans across the Philippines and Asia will be glued to their screens watching Quiambao don the Warriors jersey. Whether it’s a short stint or the beginning of something historic, the significance of this opportunity cannot be overstated. He is now sharing the court with prospects who were NCAA champions, G-League all-stars, and EuroLeague veterans. Every possession becomes a showcase. Every rotation becomes a chance to prove that his journey from the Philippines to the NBA isn’t a fairy tale—it’s real, it’s earned, and it’s just getting started.
His next steps will determine not just his own future but could influence the direction of Filipino basketball as a whole. If Quiambao succeeds in carving out an NBA role, it validates every effort made by Filipino coaches, leagues, and training programs. It could pave the way for increased scouting in the region, more opportunities for young local players, and a broader appreciation of the Philippines as a legitimate basketball pipeline. Whether it’s with Golden State or another franchise, Kevin Quiambao now has the world’s eyes on him. And if his past is any indication, he’s ready for the moment.
