On the evening of August 11, 2025, there was a lot on the line for Gilas Pilipinas. 

Not only were they fighting for their lives in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, but they were also putting on the line their impeccable FIBA record against tournament host Saudi Arabia.   

Thanks to Kevin Quiambao, though, the Philippines can rest easy.

Justin Brownlee sent the game into overtime, but it was Quiambao who set the tone in the extra period. The former DLSU Green Archer was responsible for half of Gilas’ 16 points in overtime, with his timely 3-pointers and playmaking effectively knocking out the tournament hosts. 

There’s a different energy with the way Quiambao plays, whether it’s in the pace or the willingness he has shown in sacrificing his body to dive for loose balls and tip passes. The feeling of missing out on an NBA summer league roster spot must continue to sting and he’s been eager to repay the faith Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone has had in him. 

Cone has, in fact, given Quiambao more opportunities, regardless if it was by design or circumstance. First, there were increased minutes, and then it was with the timing of his appearance as against Saudi Arabia, the two-time UAAP MVP was the first player off the bench. Quiambao has shown that he’s always ready to be called up when needed, especially with the string of injuries the team has faced recently. 

The opportunities afforded to Quimabao have not gone to waste, as he has been generally deliberate with his shot selection, at times to a fault. In the early parts of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, there were indications he was holding back in order to work within Cone’s system. The 24-year old has been part of the Philippine national team under Cone for a little over a year, but it’s only in recent months he’s been able to get more minutes against stiffer competition.  

However, it’s obvious that Quiambao is a quick learner as he eventually found his niche within Cone’s system and has dealt more damage to opponents. He will likely be part of Gilas for more or less the next decade and the expectation is that the Goyang Sono Skygunner will only get better. 

All things considered, the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup is Kevin Quiambao’s breakout campaign with Gilas Pilipinas. The Philippines’ roster has had some glaring holes, but Quiambao has emerged as a secondary playmaker behind Justin Brownlee. Tim Cone has done right by Quiambao in letting him figure in crucial situations, because learning how to win doesn’t come by sitting on the bench, but by snatching it from opponents with relentless energy.