MANILA – Strong Group Athletics-Philippines is still verifying the reported 2024 NBA Summer League invitation by New York Knicks on De La Salle University Green Archers forward Kevin Quiambao.
According to Strong Group Athletics head of PR, Miguel Rocha, they are still confirming the details of the supposed invitation, which was first reported by sports insider Snow Badua.
“We are trying to confirm more details regarding the said invitation,” Rocha told Panay News. “As of now, we are aligned with coach Charles (Tiu’s) tweet that there is nothing about Kevin Quiambao and the Knicks right now.”
The Muntinlupa City-native Quiambao gained attention overseas following his impressive showing for Strong Group Athletics-Philippines in the ongoing 33rd Dubai Invitational Basketball Championships.
The reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player winner is averaging 18.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in five matches so far for Strong Group Athletics in Dubai as they advanced to the quarterfinals round.
Meanwhile, Quiambao confirmed that some officials of United Arab Emirates men’s basketball team have approached him about the possibility of naturalizing him after his stellar showing for Strong Group Athletics.
“Nung kinausap nila ako at sinabi nila na gusto nila ako i-naturalize, siyempre hindi ako nakasalita. Hindi ko alam yung mararamdaman ko nun,” Quiambao said in an interview with Tiebreaker Times.
“Na-amaze ako at siyempre, na-overwhelm kasi ibang usapan na ito e. Hindi lang ito about playing sa club level. National team na ang usapan dito,” he added. “I’ll listen to it. Siyempre, nakakahiya naman if di ko sila pakinggan ‘di ba?”
Quiambao, who already suited up for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers round, said he will heavily consider the offer of UAE men’s basketball team.
“If maganda yung plans nila for their national team, I’ll heavily consider it,” said Quiambao. “Tulad ng sabi ko kanina, ibang usapan na ito. Pero mahal ko ang bansa natin.”/PN
