Tag: Goyang Sono Skygunners

  • Kevin Quiambao adds to Gilas’ growing Asian Games absences as KBL duty calls 

    Kevin Quiambao adds to Gilas’ growing Asian Games absences as KBL duty calls 

    Gilas Pilipinas’ roster for the 2026 Asian Games continues to take shape—but not in the way head coach Tim Cone would have hoped.

     

    Kevin Quiambao has become the latest key player expected to skip the continental showcase, further shrinking the pool of familiar faces available for the Philippines after AJ Edu and Dwight Ramos were also ruled out due to overseas club commitments.

     

    Fresh from helping Gilas in the fourth window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, Quiambao is set to immediately shift his focus back to South Korea, where he is expected to report to the Goyang Sono Skygunners following the national team’s final qualifier on August 30.

     

    The timing leaves little room for the reigning UAAP MVP-turned-KBL standout to join the Philippine squad for the Asian Games, as Goyang Sono begins preparations for the 2026-27 Korean Basketball League season with heightened expectations after reaching last year’s finals.

     

    Quiambao has quietly carved out an important role for Gilas during the World Cup qualifiers, averaging 9.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists while providing versatility on both ends of the floor.

     

    His absence follows similar situations involving Edu and Ramos, who are both expected to return to Japan after the qualifiers to rejoin Gunma Crane Thunders and Levanga Hokkaido, respectively.

     

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    Both B.League clubs are scheduled to compete in the B.League Manila Games on September 9 and 10 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, making their immediate return to Japan a priority.

     

    Despite the growing list of unavailable players, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas still has reason for optimism.

     

    SBP executive director Erika Dy remains hopeful that Bennie Boatwright’s naturalization process will be completed before the Asian Games officially begin on September 10.

     

    If his documents are finalized in time, Boatwright could provide Gilas with a significant boost in the frontcourt.

     

    Unlike FIBA tournaments, the Asian Games follow a different eligibility system, opening the possibility for Cone to deploy a formidable frontline featuring naturalized stars Justin Brownlee, Angelo Kouame, and Boatwright together—an option unavailable in FIBA-sanctioned competitions.

     

    As overseas commitments continue to reshape the national team’s roster, Gilas now faces the challenge of balancing player availability while assembling a squad capable of contending on one of Asia’s biggest sporting stages.

     

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  • Kevin Quiambao’s clutch play keeps Goyang Sono alive in KBL Finals thriller against Busan KCC 

    Kevin Quiambao’s clutch play keeps Goyang Sono alive in KBL Finals thriller against Busan KCC 

    Goyang Sono refused to bow out of the KBL Finals just yet, and Kevin Quiambao was right at the heart of that survival push.


    Facing a 0-3 series deficit and staring down elimination, the Skygunners finally broke through in Game 4 on Sunday with a razor-thin 81-80 victory over Busan KCC, keeping their championship hopes alive in the best-of-seven showdown.

     

    Quiambao played extended minutes without relief and delivered a composed all-around performance, finishing with 10 points, seven assists, and six rebounds in 40 minutes on the floor.

     

    More than the numbers, it was his late-game decision-making that helped shift the momentum in Goyang’s favor.

     

    Goyang controlled the first half and built a comfortable 47-36 lead, only for Busan KCC to respond with a dominant 28-14 third quarter that flipped the script and gave them a 64-61 advantage entering the final period.

     

    With the championship seemingly within reach for Busan after taking a 79-77 lead late in the fourth, Quiambao made the crucial read that changed everything. 

     

    24 seconds left, he drew the defense in from the corner and delivered a timely extra pass that set up Lee Jong Hyun’s go-ahead basket, putting Goyang ahead 80-79.

     

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    Busan’s Heo Hoon then split his free throws with 3.6 seconds remaining to level the game at 80-all, but the Skygunners still had one final answer. 

     

    Lee Jong Hyun was fouled with just 0.9 seconds left and calmly sank the decisive free throw to complete the comeback escape.

     

    Busan KCC’s William Navarro remained out of action in the contest. The series now shifts again on Wednesday, May 13, where Goyang will attempt to extend the Finals to a Game 6 and continue its improbable fight back from the brink, while Busan gets another chance to clinch the championship.

     

    Beyond the box score, the Finals have highlighted a growing theme in KBL coverage, Goyang Sono’s resilience against a more experienced Busan squad built around late-game execution and physical defense. 

     

    League reports surrounding the matchup have consistently noted Busan’s championship pedigree as a major factor in the series, while also pointing to Goyang’s younger core—led by Quiambao—as a group gaining valuable high-pressure experience despite the deficit. 

     

    For now, Goyang survives—and Quiambao’s steady presence has ensured the series is not over just yet.

     

     

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  • Will Navarro, Kevin Quiambao headline KBL Finals as Busan sets duel with Goyang 

    Will Navarro, Kevin Quiambao headline KBL Finals as Busan sets duel with Goyang 

    The Korean Basketball League Finals will carry a distinct Filipino flavor.

     

    With Busan KCC Egis completing its semifinal mission and Goyang Sono Skygunners already waiting, the championship series now becomes more than just a battle for the title—it’s a showcase of rising Filipino influence overseas.

     

    At the heart of that narrative are Kevin Quiambao and William Navarro, two players representing different paths but converging on the same stage.

     

    Busan secured its place with an emphatic 84-67 win over Anyang KGC in Game 4, closing out the semifinal series with authority. While Navarro did not see action in the clincher, his presence throughout the campaign has been part of a deeper rotation that helped power the KCC Egis’ playoff run.

     

    On the other side, Quiambao has been front and center for Goyang’s breakthrough, leading the Skygunners past top-seed Changwon LG Sakers in a stunning upset that shifted the balance of the league.

     

    Together, their journeys reflect a growing trend—Filipino players not just participating abroad, but impacting winning teams in meaningful ways. 

     

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    The semifinal closeout itself was a statement from Busan.

     

    From the opening quarter, the KCC Egis imposed their tempo, controlling both ends of the floor and limiting Anyang’s rhythm. A decisive 25-15 run to end the first half created separation, and from there, the result never felt in doubt as the home squad steadily widened the gap.

     

    For Rhenz Abando, it was a tough outing on the losing end. The high-flying guard struggled to find his groove, finishing with just three points alongside four rebounds, one steal, and one block as Anyang’s campaign came to a close.

     

    Now, the focus shifts to the finals—where the spotlight only grows brighter.

     

    Game 1 is set for May 5 at the Goyang Gymnasium, with Busan and Goyang meeting in a best-of-seven series that not only determines a champion, but also highlights how far Filipino talent has come on the international stage. 

     

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

    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.

     

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    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.

     

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  • Kevin Quiambao sets up semis clash vs Carl Tamayo in KBL 

    Kevin Quiambao sets up semis clash vs Carl Tamayo in KBL 

    Some rivalries don’t fade—they evolve. For Gilas Pilipinas teammates Kevin Quiambao and Carl Tamayo, the next chapter will unfold on a different stage, but with the same competitive edge that has followed them for years.

     

    The stage now shifts to the Korean Basketball League semifinals after Quiambao steered the Goyang Sono Skygunners past the Seoul SK Knights, escaping with a tense 66-65 win in Game 3 to complete a stunning 3-0 sweep of the higher-seeded squad.

     

    It wasn’t just an upset—it was a statement.

     

    Sono, the lower seed, showed composure in the tightest moments, even after letting a comfortable cushion slip away late in the fourth quarter. What once looked like control quickly turned into a scramble, as Seoul clawed back and briefly seized the lead behind a clutch basket from Jameel Warney.

     

    But just as quickly, the momentum flipped again. With four seconds left, Nathan Knight delivered the decisive blow, knocking down the go-ahead shot that ultimately sealed the series and silenced any hopes of a comeback.

     

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    In the middle of it all was Quiambao. The Gilas standout finished with 19 points and nine rebounds—just shy of a double-double—while anchoring Sono’s effort on both ends. It was another steady performance that underscored his growing role in the team’s playoff run.

     

    Knight led the way with 22 points and 11 rebounds, providing the finishing touch in a game that demanded execution under pressure.

     

    On the other side, Filipino reinforcement Arvin Tolentino added 11 points for Seoul in a losing effort, as the Knights saw their campaign end earlier than expected.

     

    Now, the spotlight shifts to what lies ahead. Waiting in the semifinals is the defending champion Changwon LG Sakers, bannered by Tamayo—a familiar name in Quiambao’s journey.

     

    From their days as teammates at NU-Nazareth School to their fierce collegiate clashes between De La Salle and UP, their paths have long been intertwined. Now, they meet again, this time with a trip to the KBL Finals on the line.

     

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  • Kevin Quiambao outduels Arvin Tolentino as Goyang Sono beats Seoul SK in KBL playoffs 

    Kevin Quiambao outduels Arvin Tolentino as Goyang Sono beats Seoul SK in KBL playoffs 

    After spending two quarters chasing the game, the Skygunners flipped everything in a single stretch, riding a third-quarter explosion to an 80-72 win over the Seoul SK Knights in Game 2 of their Korean Basketball League quarterfinal series Tuesday at Jamsil Students’ Gym.

     

    At the center of that shift was Kevin Quiambao.

     

    Fresh off a dominant playoff debut, Quiambao delivered another composed all-around performance with 19 points, five assists, and four rebounds in 36 minutes—less about flash, more about control as Goyang dictated the game when it mattered most.

     

    But the night didn’t begin in their favor. Seoul SK came out sharp, setting the tone early and building a 46-34 halftime cushion behind crisp execution and tempo. For a moment, it looked like the series was headed for a reset.

     

    Then came the break—and a completely different Goyang team. Out of halftime, the Skygunners unleashed a stunning 29-7 barrage in the third quarter, turning a double-digit deficit into a commanding lead. The rhythm shifted, the defense tightened, and the pace swung entirely in their direction.

     

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    From there, there was no looking back. Quiambao anchored the turnaround with steady decision-making, picking his spots while keeping teammates involved as Goyang maintained control down the stretch. It wasn’t just a scoring effort—it was a performance built on timing and poise.

     

    On the other end, fellow Filipino Arvin Tolentino struggled to find consistency, finishing with 10 points on 4-of-11 shooting as Seoul SK couldn’t recover from the third-quarter collapse.

     

    Now, the stakes shift. With a 2-0 series edge—including a 104-76 rout in Game 1—Goyang Sono Skygunners stand just one win away from advancing to the semifinals, where a potential showdown awaits against the top-seeded Changwon LG Sakers—bannered by Quiambao’s former high school teammate Carl Tamayo.

     

    Game 3 now becomes a chance to close.

     

    Back on their home floor Thursday, Goyang will look to finish what they’ve started. Seoul SK, meanwhile, faces a simple reality—win, or the season ends. 

     

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  • Kevin Quiambao bags KBL Rookie of the Year Award

    Kevin Quiambao bags KBL Rookie of the Year Award

    A breakout season by Kevin Quiambao has turned what was once a promising overseas stint into a defining chapter—not just for himself, but for Filipino talent making waves in the Korean Basketball League.

     

    Taking center stage at the end of the regular season, Quiambao emerged as the league’s Rookie of the Year after anchoring Goyang Sono’s historic push into the playoffs. The versatile forward didn’t just contribute—he dictated the tempo for the Skygunners, averaging 15.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while leading all rookies across the board in production.

     

    More importantly, his presence translated to wins. Goyang Sono finished with a 28–26 record, clinching the fifth seed and a franchise-first postseason berth. Standing in their way is a tough test against the Seoul SK Knights in a best-of-three quarterfinal showdown.

     

    Quiambao’s seamless transition to the pro ranks comes as no surprise to those who followed his decorated run in the UAAP. A two-time MVP, Season 86 Finals MVP, and Season 85 Rookie of the Year, he built his reputation on versatility—and has now proven that his all-around game travels well beyond Philippine shores.

     

    “It is an honor to receive the Rookie of the Year award,” Quiambao said in his acceptance speech. “I am grateful not only to the club officials but also to the fans in Korea and the Philippines.”

     

    His accolade came alongside another major individual recognition, with Lee Junghyun taking home the league’s Domestic MVP honors, highlighting a season defined by emerging stars and high-level performances.

     

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    But Quiambao wasn’t the only Filipino making noise.

     

    Ethan Alvano continued his stellar run with Wonju DB Promy, earning a place in the KBL Best 5 after putting up 17.7 points, 6.8 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game. His impact extended beyond the stat sheet, as he also bagged the E-Jong Sports Orthopedic Surgery Play of the Season award—an exclamation point on an already impressive campaign.

     

    Behind Alvano’s leadership, Wonju wrapped up the eliminations with a 33–21 record, securing the fourth seed. They are set to face Busan KCC Egis in another tightly contested best-of-three quarterfinal pairing.

     

    With Quiambao’s rapid ascent and Alvano’s sustained brilliance, the KBL is quickly becoming a proving ground for Filipino players—one where impact is immediate, and the spotlight is well-earned.

     

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