KBL Rookie of the Year Kevin Quiambao powers Goyang Sono’s stunning march to KBL Finals

What began as a late-season surge has now turned into something far bigger for Kevin Quiambao and the Goyang Sono Skygunners—a legitimate shot at a championship. 

Behind the steady brilliance of their Rookie of the Year, Goyang completed a stunning semifinal sweep of the Changwon LG Sakers, sealing a 90-80 victory on Monday to advance to the Finals of the Korean Basketball League.

For a team making its first-ever playoff appearance, the Skygunners are no longer just a feel-good story. They are now the last team standing between expectation and history.

At the center of this improbable run is Quiambao, who once again delivered a composed all-around performance in the series-clinching win. He tallied 17 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, controlling the tempo and providing balance in a game that demanded poise.

Goyang weathered an early push from Changwon before taking control late in the opening quarter, closing with a 17-10 run to build a 26-19 lead. From there, the Skygunners dictated the pace, never allowing the Sakers to mount a serious comeback.

On the other side, Carl Tamayo capped his strong campaign with nine points, three rebounds, and two assists, as Changwon’s season came to an end.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

But this victory was not built overnight.

Goyang’s rise traces back to the closing stretch of the regular season, when a 10-game winning streak propelled them past contenders like Busan KCC Egis and Suwon KT Sonicboom to secure the fifth seed. That late push gave them just enough momentum to enter the playoffs—but few expected what followed.

Instead of merely competing, the Skygunners dominated.

They swept the Seoul SK Knights in the quarterfinals, then repeated the feat against Changwon in the semifinals, remaining unbeaten through their first two playoff rounds. What was once considered a Cinderella run has now evolved into a statement of consistency and belief.

With the Finals ahead, Goyang now awaits the winner of the series between Busan KCC Egis and Anyang KGC.

For Quiambao, the stage only gets bigger. His rookie season has already been defined by milestones and leadership beyond his years, but the opportunity now is different—finishing the story.

From a late playoff push to an undefeated postseason run, the Skygunners are one step away from completing a journey few saw coming.

Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!