NBA Dream Delayed? Filipino star Kevin Quiambao left off Sacramento Kings’ Summer League squad

Philippine basketball star Kevin Quiambao is focusing on his future as he takes steps toward realizing his dream of becoming the first full-blooded Filipino to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Quiambao, a two-time University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Most Valuable Player (MVP) with the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers, recently flew to the United States for a personal training camp aimed at preparing him—both in skill and fitness—for a serious shot at making the NBA.

The young star was seen participating in workouts with NBA-caliber trainers and prospects in Sacramento. Despite his efforts, however, Quiambao was left out of the Sacramento Kings’ roster for the upcoming NBA 2K26 Summer League. Notably, Quiambao had been linked to the Kings due to the presence of former Gilas Pilipinas captain Jimmy Alapag, who currently serves as Sacramento’s player development coach and will also be on the coaching staff for the Summer League in Las Vegas.

HEAVEN CAN WAIT: The Sacramento Kings’ Las Vegas Summer League roster has been released and Pinoy hoops fans may notice one name notably missing.

Kevin Quiambao.

Per my league sources, it’s now increasingly “unlikely”for KQ to get an invite from any other NBA team.

Hopefully,…

— Homer Sayson (@HomerSayson) July 7, 2025

Despite the snub, the 24-year-old remains optimistic and is reportedly staying ready—keeping himself in top condition in case another NBA team offers an invitation or contract opportunity in the near future.

If an NBA opportunity doesn’t materialize this season, Quiambao will return to South Korea to continue his professional career. He recently signed a three-year extension with the Goyang Sono Skygunners in the Korean Basketball League (KBL). The forward joined the Skygunners in December 2024, and despite suffering an ankle injury in his debut season, he still averaged 16.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.3 steals per game in 23 appearances during the 2024–25 season.

The NBA Summer League is scheduled to take place from July 10 to 20 in Las Vegas. Quiambao is now expected to turn his focus to national team duties with Gilas Pilipinas as they prepare for the upcoming 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

To date, only four Filipino players—Japeth Aguilar, Ray Parks, Kiefer Ravena, and Kai Sotto—have played in the NBA Summer League. Sotto was the most recent, suiting up for the Orlando Magic in 2022, although his stint was cut short due to a back injury.

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