Tim Cone praises Kevin Quiambao in FIBA Asia Cup: 'Nothing is too big for him'
The 24-year-old, do-it-all forward is proving that he belongs on the big stage, giving the national team a much-needed shot in the arm in its ongoing campaign at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup.
And no one recognizes his impact more than Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone.
"Kevin is not afraid of the moment. I think that's the best way to describe Kevin," Cone said of his young gun.
"Nothing is too big for him and he'll play the same way whether he's playing here in the Asia Cup or if he's playing in a barangay league. He's gonna bring it all the time and he's not gonna be afraid to step up and take the big shot when it's presented to him."
The former two-time UAAP MVP out of De La Salle University has been big for Gilas Pilipinas.
He fueled a second-half surge during Gilas Pilipinas' opening game against Chinese Taipei, tallying 17 points, four rebounds, and two assists as the Filipinos fell short and absorbed a 95-87 loss.
He had limited minutes against New Zealand and Iraq, but seized the moment when trusted to play almost the entire game in their do-or-die duel against host Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
Against the Saudis, the young forward posted 17 markers, including two triples in the overtime, while also grabbing three assists, three steals, and one rebound to help steer Gilas to a 95-88 OT escape and book their spot in the quarterfinals.
To Cone, these are undeniable proof that Quiambao is growing into a cornerstone of their program.
"That's what makes him special. You know, we're still learning a lot about Kevin because he is the young gun on the team. I think he's the youngest player," Cone added.
"He's battling for his position, he's battling for his minutes and he just keeps wowing us. He's becoming a vital cog."
Gilas Pilipinas will face Australia in the quarterfinals on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
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