At the recently concluded 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship, Kevin Quiambao, a 22-year-old university standout from the Philippines, captured the attention of top club teams and the UAE Basketball Federation. His remarkable performance on the court has sparked discussions about his potential naturalization as a player for the UAE.
Throughout the tournament, Quiambao displayed exceptional skill and talent, showcasing his prowess as a scoring machine while playing alongside NBA veterans and seasoned players. Averaging 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in the initial three games, Quiambao proved his mettle as a versatile player with lethal outside shooting abilities.
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Standing at 6-foot-6, Quiambao’s performance was instrumental in Strong Group Athletics-Philippines’ impressive seven-game winning streak, culminating in a thrilling final showdown against Al Riyadi-Lebanon. Despite the heartbreaking loss, Quiambao’s contributions did not go unnoticed as he was named to the Mythical 5 All-Tournament Team.
Beyond the tournament, Quiambao’s talent has attracted the attention of the New York Knicks, who reportedly invited him to participate in the upcoming NBA Summer League. Additionally, he has been approached by the UAE Basketball Federation to explore the possibility of representing the UAE as a naturalized player.
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While Quiambao acknowledges the potential opportunity to play for the UAE, he remains focused on returning to La Salle to defend their championship title in the UAAP. Reflecting on the offer, Quiambao expressed his admiration for the UAE’s support for growing sports and acknowledged the potential for Filipino talents to thrive in the region.
The prospect of Quiambao potentially representing the UAE has sparked excitement among Filipino expatriates in Dubai. Edwin Deang, a prominent organizer of basketball tournaments, expressed immense pride at the possibility of Quiambao donning the colors of the UAE, highlighting the significance of having a home-grown Filipino player represent the country.
As discussions about Quiambao’s future unfold, his journey serves as a testament to the growing prominence of Filipino talent on the international basketball stage and the potential for cross-cultural collaboration in sports. As Quiambao navigates his options, his story resonates as a symbol of Filipino pride and athletic excellence.
