MANILA, Philippines — There’s no shortage of scorers in Gilas Pilipinas lineup in the just concluded second window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
From Justin Brownlee, Dwight Ramos, Calvin Oftana to June Mar Fajardo, every player can go off and provide the points for the Philippines.
But who’s gonna do the dirty work? The hustle and the little things?
UAAP reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao did just that in Gilas’ 93-54 manhandling of Hong Kong at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.
“As a newbie in the team, I just do the dirty work because we’re all scorers here. So, I’m gonna do the dirty work, the hustle, rebounds, and box out,” said Quiambao.
“It’s a new role for me and I just took advantage of it,” added Quiambao, who finished with eight points, five rebounds, and four assists in 22 minutes of action.
Quiambao’s first basket was a tip-in off a missed shot from Kai Sotto in the last 28 seconds of the first frame where he checked in at the 4:28 mark, finally seeing action after not playing against New Zealand on November 21.
The 6-foot-5 forward from La Salle was showered with cheers upon entering the court.
“It felt great [to be cheered when I entered the court] despite not getting any minutes in the first game, people are still supporting me and the team. It’s a confidence booster and I got my rhythm going in the game.”
Quiambao said he didn’t harbor any hard feelings over not playing in the New Zealand game which Gilas won, 93-89, as the Philippines finally beat the Tall Blacks in a FIBA competition.
Quiambao said he just persevered and it helped that Ginebra guard and Gilas assistant coach LA Tenorio advised him to just stay ready.
“When I didn’t get any minutes against New Zealand, coach LA reminded me to just stay ready and be professional, that this is just basketball and nothing personal, I’m just ready.”
Ready himself, Quiambao did.
Following the New Zealand game, he posted a video of himself still working out in the wee hours.
“It’s just passion,” Quiambao said of doing extra work at night. “Once the opportunity comes, I need to be ready.”
