Kevin Quiambao is one of the Philippines’ most versatile players. He mostly played power forward in the UAAP, where his 6-foot-4 frame was just about right. He then transitioned to the wing, playing largely as a small forward for the Goyang Sono Skygunners in the KBL. He’ll have to transition again for the third window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Tim Cone to Try Out Quiambao at Shooting Guard
Now, the former King Archer is staring at another positional change—a switch to the two-guard spot.
At the moment, Dwight Ramos has sole dominion of that two spot in Gilas. And that’s why all roads lead to Quiambao playing at that position.
“We looked at it a little bit by trying to narrow the two-guard position down a little bit between Dwight and KQ. There wasn’t a lot of competition. We’re going to try to move KQ to the two-guard position a little bit,” Cone told reporters during Gilas Pilipinas’ open practice on Monday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
A Necessary Change
Playing Quiambao at the two is a move that’s probably out of necessity, as Australia and New Zealand boast both size and talent at shooting guard. Elijah Pepper and Angus Glover, both standing 6-foot-4, will likely lead the way for the Boomers, with 6-foot-5 Ben Henshall as the third option. Meanwhile, 6-foot-4 Tai Webster and 6-foot-5 Mojave King are expected to log the majority of the two-guard minutes for the Tall Blacks.
Needless to say, Quiambao and Ramos, who both stand 6-foot-4, could give Gilas a tall and talented two-guard rotation to match up against Australia’s and New Zealand’s—and that’s what Cone is banking on.
“We’re going to have an opportunity to play there. That will allow us to play bigger as well in that position. So, he should get some substantial time there as well as at the three position,” Cone explained.
In theory, the move makes perfect sense. It will be up to Quiambao to make it work.
