Gilas Pilipinas forward Kevin Quiambao is grateful for the opportunity of gaining valuable lessons which he intends to use for defending champion De La salle in the semifinals of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.

The 23-year-old Quiambao made an impact in the Nationals’ 93-54 demolition of Hong Kong in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers second window after putting up eight points on top of five rebounds and four assists.

Aside from his numbers, Quiambao said the experience alone makes so much difference in his game.

“I think sobrang laking boost nito para sakin dahil isa ako sa mga leader sa La Salle,” said Quiambao.

“So ‘yong experience [ko] rito dadalhin ko and ipapayo ko sa mga teammates ko sa La Salle,” he added.

A great experience indeed, as Quiambao was able to share the floor with the country’s top cagers including Justin Brownlee, June Mar Fajardo, Scottie Thompson, Kai Sotto, Dwight Ramos under the guidance of future hall-of-famer coach Tim Cone.

The 6-foot-7 ace is aware of the tough tasks ahead and the work continues for him and for the whole DLSU side as they aim to win back-to-back UAAP crowns.

 “And ‘yon nga ‘di rito natatapos ang lahat, kailangan koparing magtrabaho,” Quiambao added.