Goyang Sono Skygunners’ Kevin Quiambao returns to defense after scoring his first points in the KBL. – Screenshot from KBL FB
MANILA, Philippines — Kevin Quiambao’s Korean Basketball League (KBL) debut ended abruptly after the Filipino forward injured his ankle during the Goyang Sono Skygunners’ home loss to SK Seoul Knights on Sunday.
Quiambao sprained his right ankle after a bad catch on a three-point attempt with 7:42 remaining in the second quarter. He did not return as the Skygunners were defeated 84-57 at the hands of the league-leading SK Knights.
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The two-time UAAP MVP from La Salle finished with six points and one rebound in nearly seven minutes of action. He scored his first points in the KBL on a 3-point basket at 2:50 of the first quarter.
READ: Kevin Quiambao opens a new “surreal” chapter in Korea
Goyang slipped to 9-20 after suffering its fifth straight defeat.
Quiambao immediately took to social media to thank his supporters.
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“Thank you for the prayers and support! Brb (I’ll be right back) soon. Sono is fighting! Quiambao wrote in an Instagram story.
The Gilas Pilipinas star’s professional debut was a highly anticipated moment, not just for Filipino basketball fans. A Korean fan was even seen on television holding up a sign reading “KQ!” Give me your passport,” written on it.
Seoul, which also has a Filipino import in Juan Gomez De Liaño, improved to 22-6. Gomez De Liaño contributed eight points, three rebounds and two assists.
READ: Kevin Quiambao in Korea will “pursue his NBA dream”
Meanwhile, Javi, Juan’s older brother, finished with 12 points to end Anyang’s 10-game skid after a 74-67 win over SJ Belangel and Daegu KOGAS Pegasus.
Javi had two triples, four rebounds and two blocks as the Red Boosters improved to 8-21.
Belangel had 10 points to go along with four assists and three steals, as Daegu fell to a 16-12 lead.
After his career-high 31-point night last Friday, Migs Ocson struggled, missing all six field goal attempts to end up with two points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals in the rout of Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus vs. Wonju DB Promy. 94-69.
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Ulsan remained at No. 2 with a 20-8 record as KBL MVP Ethan Alvano’s 20 points weren’t enough for Wonju, who slipped to 13-15.
