‘Special player’ Kevin Quiambao making waves in Korea

MANILA, Philippines – Kevin Quiambao became the latest Filipino to win Rookie of the Year in the Korean Basketball League, and for those who have witnessed how tirelessly he works, his latest achievement is nothing out of the ordinary. 

Just ask Jaylen Johnson, who teamed up with Quiambao in the KBL for the Goyang Sono Skygunners. 

“I’m not really surprised with him getting Rookie of the Year. I’ve seen him work day in and day out,” said Johnson, who now serves as import for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the PBA. 

“He’s got high dreams, I told him go chase them. I believe in him, everything he’s doing.” 

Quiambao put together a quality 2025-26 campaign as he followed in the footsteps of fellow Filipino standouts RJ Abarrientos and JD Cagulangan, who won Rookie of the Year in the 2022-23 and 2024-25 KBL seasons, respectively. 

The former La Salle star averaged 15.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.1 steals to help guide Goyang to a 28-26 record, which allowed the Skygunners to clinch the fifth seed and advance to the playoffs for the first time in team history.

It was a significant improvement from last season, where Goyang finished eighth with a 19-35 record.

Known for his do-it-all play, Quiambao placed in the top 20 in the entire KBL in most of the major statistical departments.

Quiambao ranked 16th in points, 11th in rebounds, 14th in assists, and 19th in steals as he proved to be a superb complement to local star Lee Junghyun, who earned Most Valuable Player honors, and American import Nathan Knight.

“He’s willing to give a team whatever they need. If you need him to play the five, he’s going to find a way to do it,” said Johnson. 

“That’s what makes him a special player — he’s so versatile. He’s a mismatch for everybody. His work ethic just puts him a step of everybody. He works so hard.” 

Aside from his all-around brilliance, Quiambao also showed that availability is the best ability as one of only two Goyang players who saw action in all of their 54 games, sharing the distinction with Knight.

Quiambao also led the league in playing time with an average of 34:46 minutes. 

With Quiambao making things happen, the Skygunners were able to turn around a shaky start that saw them drop 22 of their first 36 games as they went 13-2 in the months of February and March.

That impressive two-month run included a 10-game winning streak, in which Quiambao averaged 18.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.3 steals. 

“Stayed consistent when nobody was watching,” Quiambao wrote on his social media accounts after his Rookie of the Year coronation.

The award is the latest feather in the cap for the 24-year-old Quiambao, who has accomplished so much at his age following a remarkable collegiate stint with the Green Archers highlighted by two MVP selections, a championship, and a Finals MVP nod in the UAAP. 

Quiambao has also been a Gilas Pilipinas mainstay and is considered one of the cornerstones of the program alongside Kai Sotto, AJ Edu, Carl Tamayo, and Dwight Ramos.

For fellow national team member and KBL Rookie of the Year winner Abarrientos, Quiambao is set for greater things in his career. 

“He deserves everything he has achieved and he deserves everything he will achieve in life,” said Abarrientos. “He’s extremely hardworking. I wouldn’t be surprised if he achieves even more success overseas.” – Rappler.com