Kevin Quiambao motivated by possible Gilas reunion with La Salle teammate Mike Phillips 

For Kevin Quiambao, last weekend’s news wasn’t just another roster update—it felt like the next chapter of a journey that began years earlier in college.

Barely a day after returning to the Philippines, Quiambao learned that his former De La Salle University teammate Mike Phillips had officially been granted local status by FIBA, a development that could finally open the door for the two high-energy forwards to share the floor again—this time for the national team.

Having played together from Seasons 85 to 87 of the UAAP, Quiambao knows exactly what Phillips—popularly known as “Motor Mike”—brings to any lineup.

“I think it was a very, very big and great help sa program ng Gilas, especially nakasama ko siya sa La Salle. I know kung gaano niya matutulungan yung team at alam ko kung paano niya ibibigay yung best niya every time,” Quiambao told Tiebreaker Times.

“He’s always 100-percent, hindi nga 100-percent, 1,000-percent lagi yan pag naglalaro sa basketball court. Yung energy at yung hustle niya, I’m so excited.”

During their collegiate run, the Green Archers built a winning identity anchored on activity and versatility—an approach that culminated in two Finals appearances and a championship in Season 86. Quiambao dominated that title campaign, earning both Regular Season and Finals MVP honors.

Their paths toward the national program began to take shape during that same stretch.

Quiambao became part of the Gilas pool, while Phillips suited up for the Philippine squad that captured gold in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games. Despite representing different national team lineups, both carried the same long-term vision.

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Emotional moment between Kevin Quiambao and Mike Phillips after winning the #UAAP86 men’s basketball title. pic.twitter.com/NrbPA8kCvi

— Kennedy Caacbay (@kennedyzcaacbay) December 6, 2023

“Siya, naging eligible sa SEA Games at ako sa FIBA. That time, hindi kami nagkakausap about Gilas kasi focus kami nun to get the championship sa La Salle,” Quiambao recalled.

“Yung dream ko rin sa sarili ko na makakampi siya sa Gilas, siguro matutupad naman sa next window sa July. Sana, sana.”

Now, with Phillips’ eligibility clarified, that possibility suddenly feels closer to reality. While the reunion storyline builds excitement, Quiambao remains focused on the immediate task: helping Gilas Pilipinas in Window 2 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Qualifiers.

The Philippines is set for a tough home stand against the New Zealand national basketball team on Thursday and the Australia men’s national basketball team on Sunday—two programs long known for their physical and disciplined style.

Over the past year, Quiambao has steadily carved out a larger role under head coach Tim Cone, showing his adaptability as a modern forward capable of scoring, facilitating, and defending multiple positions.

His consistent production across recent tournaments—including solid performances in the Asia Cup cycle and the previous window against Guam—has strengthened his place in the rotation.

Still, the 24-year-old forward, who also plays professionally for Goyang Sono Skygunners, embraces the pressure that comes with growing responsibility.

“Gusto ko lagi na may parang pressure sa sarili ko kasi doon mo maabot yung pinaka-top level ng game mo,” said Quiambao.

“Pero challenge siguro is how to keep up kung ano yung ginagawa ko sa Gilas. And as a young guy, magiging sponge lang ako kung ano yung male-learn ko sa veterans namin.”

For Quiambao, the equation is simple: handle the present, and the future—perhaps alongside a familiar teammate—will follow.

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