South Korean press not open to Kevin Quiambao winning KBL Rookie of the Year award

Gilas Pilipinas stalwart Kevin Quiambao has emerged at the center of a growing debate in the 2025–26 Korean Basketball League (KBL) surrounding eligibility for the league’s Rookie of the Year award. 

The Filipino, currently playing for the Goyang Sono Skygunners, has drawn both acclaim for his play and criticism from some domestic media figures in South Korea.

Quiambao, a two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player before turning professional, has posted impactful numbers this season and is frequently mentioned among the top candidates for the prestigious award. 

His all-around play, scoring, rebounding, and facilitating,  has captured the attention of fans and analysts across the league. However, a faction of South Korean basketball journalists has raised objections, arguing that the Rookie of the Year honor should be restricted exclusively to local Korean players.

The conversation reportedly gained traction after a prominent veteran reporter made comments on a Korean basketball-focused YouTube podcast, asserting that foreign and Asian import players should be ineligible for the recognition. 

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South Korean basketball journalists hate Kevin Quiambao winning the Rookie of the Year award.

Recently, a South Korean veteran basketball reporter claimed on a YouTube podcast that local players must win the Rookie of the Year award.#KevinQuiambao #KBL pic.twitter.com/iVCbuwJ16a

— 알럽바스켓공 (@baekpd1983) January 7, 2026

The reporter stressed that the award traditionally celebrated emerging homegrown talent, and thus should not go to a player like Quiambao, who entered the league under the Asian Quota system.

The KBL has historically welcomed foreign athletes through the Asian Quota program, intended to elevate competitive standards and diversify the league’s player pool.

Filipino imports such as Rhenz Abando, SJ Belangel, Migz Gozon, Ethan Alvano, and Justin Gutang have all found success in recent seasons, contributing significantly to their respective teams. Meanwhile, last season’s Rookie of the Year, JD Cagulangan, posted notable averages for the Suwon KT Sonicboom.

While the KBL has not yet publicly clarified whether any nationality-based eligibility restrictions will apply, the award announcement is scheduled for the annual KBL Awards Ceremony following the conclusion of the regular season in April. 

At that time, league officials will officially name the Rookie of the Year, potentially setting a precedent for how the honor is defined in future import-heavy seasons.

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