02/02/2025
Kevin Quiambao, who scored 36 points in just his fourth game, has emerged as Sono's savior.
Goyang Sono's Asian quarter Kevin Quiambao led the team to victory by scoring 36 points in the 2024-2025 KCC Pro Basketball match against Wonju DB held at Goyang Sono Arena on the 2nd. Sono finished the first half with a 21-point lead (50-29), but fought a close match with DB, who chased hard in the end, and won 86-82. Sono, who ended their four-game losing streak, narrowed the gap with 9th place Seoul Samsung (11 wins, 24 losses) to 0.5 games.
Quiambao said after the match, "We started the game well, but we had a hard time in the second half, and I think we definitely need to improve on that. Above all, captain Jeong Hee-jae came back and was a big help."
Quiambao, a member of the Philippine national team, joined the team in January when the season was in full swing and made his debut in the match against Seoul SK on the 12th. However, he returned on the 28th after suffering an ankle injury, and raised expectations by averaging 16 points in the two games since then.
Then, he exploded in the fourth official KBL game. He made six 3-point shots and scored evenly from start to finish. He grabbed 12 rebounds and also added 3 assists. Kembao won by a decision against the opposing team's Asian quota player, Ethan Albano (18 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists). Quiambao,
who had been in the spotlight for his outstanding skills but had no luck with winning, tasted his first win on the court. He confessed, "I've been feeling guilty and having a hard time because I haven't won in a while." He continued, "Basketball is a team sport, so I want to share this victory with my teammates, and that's why it's even more memorable," he said, celebrating the victory.
Quiambao said during the losing streak, "After the game, I analyzed the video and studied the areas I needed to improve."
When asked what he meant specifically
he answered, "I think about how to be more efficient on the court. There are also areas that the coach and coaching staff have prepared." Quiambao then added, "There are areas that I do alone, but I think I need to trust my teammates and become more integrated into teamwork."
Quiambao seemed to feel a sense of responsibility, as Sono had been worried about his poor scoring ability.
What do you think are the differences between Philippine and Korean basketball, which Quiambao felt when he started his professional career in Korea?
Quiambao expressed his satisfaction by saying, "The Philippines is definitely rough and physical. Korean basketball is very fast-paced, and I wanted this situation. I'm happy because I wanted to play fast-paced basketball." True to his words, Quiambao moved quickly throughout, accurately capturing open spots and shooting. When the situation was not favorable, he broke through himself and broke down the opponent's defense. Above all, he maintained his composure even in the clutch situation at the end of the fourth quarter. The fact that he earned 6 free throws in a close match and made them all also played an important role in the victory.
Coach Kim Tae-sul also gave a high rating for the all-weather performance of the rookie Asian quarterback, saying that it exceeded expectations. Coach Kim said, "There was nothing to criticize. We were able to play well from the beginning because Quiambao was there, and above all, he scored important points during the clutch time."
Quiambao was recognized for his outstanding contribution in both offense and defense. If Quiambao's value is improved a little more in the details such as error management and urgent attacks, his value will skyrocket. How far can Quiambao, who became Sono's savior in a difficult situation, lead the team?
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