Kevin Quiambao knows he has a lot to learn and develop as the newest addition to Gilas Pilipinas squad.

The De La Salle star believes patience is the ultimate key to achieve his goals.

The 23-year-old Quiambao proved that good things come for those who wait as he finally had his minutes in Gilas’ 93-54 romp of Hong Kong in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers at Mall of Asia Arena Sunday evening, Nov. 24.

After being sidelined in the Nationals’ historic 93-89 victory over New Zealand last Thursday, the versatile 6-foot-7 forward played for 22 minutes and finished with eight points, five rebounds, and four assists.

“Sobrang sarap sa feeling ‘yon nga kahit ‘di ako nakakuha ako ng minuto no’ng last game [against New Zealand], may sumusuporta parin sakin,” said the La Salle ace.

“Confidence booster para sakin ‘yon [and] nakuha ko naman ‘yong rhythm ko [kanina],” he added.

And for Quiambao, it just was just about understanding his role – including doing the dirty work – for the talent-laden crew which is composed of the country’s top-notch players in the likes of the 7-foot-3 Kai Sotto, Justin Brownlee and June Mar Fajardo.

“Pag meron kang Kai Sotto sa isang basketball court, talagang advantage na marami kang makukuhang mismatch, so for me as a bago rito, ginawa kolang ang role ko and ‘yong mga dirty work dahil puro scorer kami rito sa team,” he continued.

“Kailangan kong gawin ‘yong mga rebound, hustle, and box outs, ganun, bagong role sakin ‘to,” he added.

Quiambao also had some words of encouragement to his La Salle teammate Mason Amos in dealing with their role as youngsters.

““Nagusap kami ni Mason (Amos) na kailangang maging ready lang kami palagi. Kasi magka-roommate kami ni Mason… lagi kong sinasabi sa kanya na wag na wag kang mawawalan ng gana,” said Quiambao.

“Dahil ‘yon youngest tayo dalawa rito, and pag dumating ‘yong opportunity [kailangan] i-take advantage and ‘yon nga dumating nga binigyan kami ng opportunity ni coach Tim,” he stressed.

After sweeping its second window assignments, Gilas will have a long break before plunging into action in February next year when the FIlipinos face Chinese Taipei and New Zealand.