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  • 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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  • Former UP-star Gerry Abadiano takes next step overseas, signs with Ulsan Hyundai Mobis in KBL 

    Former UP-star Gerry Abadiano takes next step overseas, signs with Ulsan Hyundai Mobis in KBL 

    Gerry Abadiano’s basketball journey is taking him beyond Philippine shores.

     

    After establishing himself as one of the University of the Philippines’ most reliable backcourt players and carving out a solid start to his professional career in the MPBL, the 25-year-old guard is set to begin a new chapter after signing with Ulsan Hyundai Mobis for the 2026-27 Korean Basketball League season.

     

    The South Korean club officially announced Abadiano’s arrival, making him the latest Filipino to earn an opportunity in one of Asia’s top professional leagues.

     

    His signing also continues Ulsan Hyundai Mobis’ growing connection with Filipino talent. Abadiano becomes the fourth Filipino Asian import to suit up for the Phoebus, joining the likes of RJ Abarrientos, Miguel Oczon, and Jake Figueroa.

     

    Before completing the move, Abadiano secured clearance from his current Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League team, San Juan, allowing him to pursue the overseas opportunity.

     

    The move caps a memorable stretch in which the Iloilo City native helped anchor one of the most successful eras in UP men’s basketball.

     

    In his final UAAP campaign, Abadiano embraced the role of the Fighting Maroons’ starting point guard, averaging 8.72 points, 1.94 rebounds, and 1.56 assists per contest during Season 88 while providing leadership and defensive intensity in the backcourt.

     

    He carried that consistency into the MPBL, where he has averaged 9.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists through 14 games with San Juan.

     

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    His departure also signals the closing of a significant chapter for UP’s veteran core. Over the years, Abadiano formed the backbone of the Fighting Maroons alongside longtime teammates Harold Alarcon, Reyland Torres, and Terrence Fortea, helping sustain the program’s rise as one of the UAAP’s perennial contenders.

     

    Now, Abadiano follows the growing path of Filipino players seeking opportunities abroad, with the KBL continuing to emerge as a destination where local talents can test themselves against a higher level of competition while further developing their games.

     

    His arrival also comes at an important time for Ulsan Hyundai Mobis, which is looking to rebound from a disappointing 2025-26 campaign after finishing eighth in the league standings with an 18-36 record.

     

    For Abadiano, the opportunity represents more than just his first overseas contract. It is the next step in a career built on steady growth, as he looks to prove he belongs on another international stage while adding his name to the expanding list of Filipinos making an impact in the Korean Basketball League.

     

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  • Arvin Tolentino to honor SK Knights deal, delays Magnolia debut until after KBL season

    Arvin Tolentino to honor SK Knights deal, delays Magnolia debut until after KBL season

    Magnolia has secured the PBA rights to Arvin Tolentino, but the Hotshots will have to be patient before seeing him in their uniform.


    The 30-year-old forward confirmed that he will remain with the Seoul SK Knights for the upcoming 2026-27 Korean Basketball League season as he honors the final year of his contract in South Korea.

     

    “Yes, stay pa ako. Two years pa ako dito,” Tolentino said.

     

    Tolentino’s statement effectively puts to rest speculation that he could make an immediate return to the PBA following Magnolia’s recent acquisition of his playing rights.

     

    The Hotshots obtained Tolentino’s rights along with a Season 51 second-round draft pick in a trade with Titan Ultra. In exchange, Magnolia sent the rights to William Navarro and a Season 52 second-round selection.

     

    Although Magnolia has positioned itself to eventually welcome one of the league’s premier forwards, Tolentino’s focus remains on finishing what he started overseas.

     

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    His contract with Seoul SK includes a player option for its third and final year, allowing him to either stay with the Knights or enter free agency. Unless circumstances change before the PBA Governors’ Cup opens on July 10, Tolentino is expected to exercise that option and continue playing in the KBL.

     

    The decision comes after a bittersweet first season in Korea. Tolentino averaged 11.0 points and 2.0 rebounds for the Knights, helping the team reach the playoffs before its campaign ended in a quarterfinal sweep at the hands of Kevin Quiambao and the Goyang Sono Skygunners.

     

    The former NorthPort star left the PBA after winning the Best Player of the Conference award in the Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup. He last suited up for the Batang Pier during the 2024-25 season before pursuing an opportunity in the KBL.

     

    Tolentino recently returned to the Philippines for a vacation following the Korean season and was among those in attendance during Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals between Barangay Ginebra and TNT, where he watched alongside his wife, Brandy Kramer Tolentino.

    While his PBA comeback will have to wait, Tolentino acknowledged that he has already been informed of Magnolia’s move to acquire his rights.

     

    “Nasabihan din naman nila ako tungkol diyan (trade),” he said.

     

    The trade also saw Titan Ultra acquire the rights to William Navarro, who previously had a brief stint with Magnolia before continuing his career with KBL champion Busan KGC Egis.

     

    Ironically, Navarro originally arrived in Magnolia through a deal with NorthPort involving Calvin Abueva, Jerrick Balanza, and the same second-round draft pick that has now found its way back to the Hotshots.

     

    For now, Magnolia has secured a valuable piece for the future. But before Tolentino can begin his next chapter in the PBA, he remains committed to completing his final season with the Seoul SK Knights.

     

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  • Magnolia bets on the future by acquiring Arvin Tolentino rights in deal with Titan Ultra 

    Magnolia bets on the future by acquiring Arvin Tolentino rights in deal with Titan Ultra 

    Magnolia may not have added an active player to its roster, but the Hotshots may have made one of the boldest future-oriented moves of the offseason.

     

    With the PBA Commissioner’s Office approving a trade with the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, Magnolia secured the signing rights to Arvin Tolentino — a player many still view as one of the most talented Filipino forwards currently playing outside the league.

     

    The transaction, first reported by SPIN.ph, also allowed the Hotshots to regain their own second-round pick for Season 51, a selection that had previously been sent away as part of the Calvin Abueva deal.

     

    In exchange, Titan Ultra acquired the rights to William Navarro along with Magnolia’s second-round selection in Season 52.

     

    At first glance, the trade appears unusual. Neither Tolentino nor Navarro is expected to suit up in the PBA anytime soon.

     

    But for Magnolia, the move is less about immediate impact and more about securing a potentially valuable asset for the future.

     

    Tolentino remains under contract with the KBL powerhouse Seoul SK Knights, where he enjoyed a strong debut campaign. His performances abroad have only increased his value, making it difficult to imagine the Korean club parting ways with him anytime soon.

     

    That reality means the Hotshots are essentially placing a long-term wager on the possibility that one day, one of the country’s premier wing scorers could find his way back to the PBA wearing Magnolia colors.

     

    On the other side of the deal is Navarro, whose professional path has taken a far different turn.

     

    The versatile forward was recently released by Busan KCC Egis following a difficult first season in the KBL. Injuries and inconsistent opportunities limited Navarro to just 21 appearances, where he averaged 5.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per contest.

     

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    While Navarro is currently unattached, a return to the PBA is not as straightforward.

     

    The former Gilas Pilipinas standout remains subject to the league’s three-year ban policy imposed on players who joined overseas leagues despite having existing offers from their PBA mother teams.

     

    That restriction clouds his immediate future and adds another layer of uncertainty to the transaction.

     

    Viewed through that lens, the deal is less about present-day basketball and more about positioning.

     

    Titan Ultra acquires a player whose future status remains unresolved, while Magnolia secures the rights to a proven talent whose stock continues to rise overseas.

     

    Whether either player eventually suits up in the PBA remains unknown. But if Tolentino eventually decides to return home, the Hotshots have ensured they will be first in line.

     

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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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  • Kevin Quiambao and Goyang Sono: from long shots to Playoff trailblazers in the KBL

    Kevin Quiambao and Goyang Sono: from long shots to Playoff trailblazers in the KBL

    What began as a midseason experiment has turned into one of the most compelling stories in the Korean Basketball League (KBL). When Kevin Quiambao arrived in South Korea, Goyang Sono Skygunners were a struggling squad searching for direction. 


    Months later, they are a playoff team—rewriting their franchise history with Quiambao at the center of that transformation.

     

    The Skygunners’ climb to a 28-25 record and fifth place finish isn’t just a statistical leap—it’s a cultural reset. Quiambao, in just his sophomore pro season, has embodied all three, posting averages of 15.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.

     

    “I’m super happy and blessed na makareceive ng ganitong opportunity, especially for me na bago pa lang sa professional basketball. It means a lot to me, pero a lot of work to be done pa,” Quiambao said.

     

    While imports like Nathan Knight and local star Lee Junghyun have delivered consistent scoring, Quiambao’s impact goes beyond numbers. 

     

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    He has become the connective piece—capable of initiating offense, defending multiple positions, and stepping up in crucial moments. His all-around game has helped stabilize a team that once struggled to close out tight contests.

     

    If the standings hold, Goyang Sono could face Ethan Alvano and Wonju DB in the quarterfinals—a matchup that adds another layer of intrigue, especially with Filipino talent shining on both sides. But for Quiambao, the postseason isn’t the destination—it’s just the start.

     

    “My goal, siyempre, is to win the championship, pero alam kong madaming pagdadaanan at pagsubok bago makuha ’yon. I just want to cherish this moment and focus on the present, one game at a time,” the former Green Archer star said.

     

    Quiambao’s journey in the KBL was anything but smooth wherein his debut was cut short by an ankle injury just minutes into his first game, delaying his integration into the team’s system.

     

    Instead of derailing his campaign, the setback became a turning point—forcing him to adjust quickly to the physicality and pace of international play.

     

    When he returned, flashes of brilliance followed as Quiambao erupted for a 36-point, 12-rebound performance early in his stint, signaling his ability to dominate at the pro level. He later showcased his versatility with an 18-assist game.

     

    Now, as Goyang Sono prepares for its first-ever playoff appearance, Quiambao stands not just as a contributor, but as a symbol of the team’s reinvention. 

     

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  • Arvin Tolentino powers all-Filipino Team Asia to statement win at KBL All-Star Weekend

    Arvin Tolentino powers all-Filipino Team Asia to statement win at KBL All-Star Weekend

    What was billed as a lighthearted midseason showcase turned into a proud declaration of Filipino presence in Korea, as Arvin Tolentino led an all-Pinoy cast to victory during the KBL All-Star Weekend in Seoul. 

     

    Wearing the colors of Team Asia, Tolentino anchored the group with authority, steering them to an 82–79 win over Team Rookie at the Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium. 

     

    The Seoul SK Knights import delivered a commanding all-around performance, finishing with 19 points and 14 rebounds to emerge as the game’s Most Valuable Player.

     

    Rather than treating the exhibition as mere entertainment, Team Asia played with purpose, echoing a similar result achieved by Filipino reinforcements in Japan’s B.League earlier this season. 

     

    The message was clear: Filipino imports are no sideshow in Asian basketball — they are difference-makers.

     

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    Busan KCC Egis forward William Navarro was hot in the clutch with a game-high 22 points, while also contributing five assists and four rebounds. 

     

    He was ably supported by Kevin Quiambao of Goyang Sono Skygunners and Justin Gutang of Seoul Samsung Thunders, who chipped in 14 and 10 points, respectively, to keep Team Rookie at bay.

     

    Veteran trailblazer SJ Belangel, now suiting up for Daegu KOGAS Pegasus, stuffed the stat sheet with nine points, seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals — a reminder of the all-around reliability that made him one of the first Filipinos to break through in the KBL.

     

    The night also marked a personal milestone for Jake Figueroa, who finally saw action in Korea just days after arriving. Playing alongside his fellow Filipinos, Figueroa made the most of his brief stint with three points, an assist, and a steal — a quiet but meaningful debut.

     

    Team Asia pulled off the win despite notable absences, with Carl Tamayo and Rhenz Abando sidelined due to undisclosed injuries. 

     

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

    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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    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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  • KBL: Carl Tamayo explodes for 31 as Changwon topples Seoul

    KBL: Carl Tamayo explodes for 31 as Changwon topples Seoul

    Filipino forward Carl Tamayo scored 31 points to lead the Changwon LG Sakers to an 83–70 victory over the struggling Seoul Samsung Thunders in a Korean Basketball League (KBL) regular-season matchup at Changwon Gymnasium.

     

    Tamayo, who has been one of the most consistent performers for the defending KBL champions this season, tallied 31 points, just six shy of his career high, against a Thunders squad that has had difficulty closing out games this season.

     

    The LG Sakers set the tone early and maintained control in all four quarters, refusing to let Seoul regain momentum at any point. 

     

    Changwon improved to 21–8 with the win, keeping pace near the top of the league standings and strengthening their claim as one of the league’s elite teams. This victory also marked their third win in four outings.

     

    Aside Tamayo’s offensive explosion, Changwon received important contributions from veteran big man Assem Marei, who recorded a double-double with 13 points and 16 rebounds. 

     

    Marei also chipped in four assists and a steal, providing a balanced effort that complemented Tamayo’s scoring.

     

    For Seoul, the game continued a troubling skid as the Thunders suffered their eighth consecutive loss, leaving them at 9–20 on the season. 

     

    Filipino reinforcement Justin Gutang struggled to find his rhythm in Changwon, finishing with just three points in more than 28 minutes of action, along with two rebounds and five assists.

     

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    The only bright spot for Seoul was forward Kerem Kanter, who finished with 40 points and 13 rebounds, but his efforts were not enough to keep the Thunders competitive in the late stages of the game.

     

    Tamayo’s performance continues a pattern of high-level play for the Filipino star in Korea, where he has regularly been among Changwon’s top scorers this season. 

     

    His ability to score both inside and from the perimeter has made him one of the focal points of the Sakers’ attack as they pursue another deep run in the KBL.

     

    With the win, Changwon looks to capitalize on its momentum heading into the second half of the season, while Seoul will need to regroup quickly if it hopes to reverse its fortunes and climb back into playoff contention.

     

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