Filipino imports Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao in action during separate Korean Basketball (KBL) games. –KBL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—After spending a few months playing in the Korean Basketball League, Filipino imports Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao both have grown to embrace the culture–both on and off the court–in South Korea.
And the two young stars, who are making a name for themselves for their respective teams, both hope to be able to continue playing their trade in the Asian League.
“I know that this opportunity to be in the spotlight overseas is not something that can be taken for granted,” Quiambao, who’s currently with the Sono Skygunners, said in a Jumpball Korea report.
READ: KBL: Kevin Quiambao plays best game yet, scores 36 for Sono
“I want to play for Sono for as long as possible. I feel proud that I’m developing into a great player while playing in Korea. That’s why I want to continue my career in Korea.
Tamayo, a standout with the LG Sakers, likewise looks forward to helping his team beyond this season.
“Korea has a really great culture. The country itself is really great, and LG is a really great team,” said Tamayo, who won a third-round MVP award in the KBL with his stellar play with LG.
“I would like to stay here if I get the chance, and I hope I can stay here longer.”
READ: Carl Tamayo is KBL third round MVP
In the same article, both UAAP standouts also shared their impressions of living in South Korea—which could be quite an adjustment, especially with the stark difference in weather compared to the Philippines.
“[T]he thing that I couldn’t adapt to was the cold, to be honest, I thought it was the worst. But now I’ve gotten used to it to some extent and I’m just waiting for the weather to get warmer,” Quiambao.
“I was impressed by their respect for their elders, and it’s one of the cultures that I felt the most when I came to Korea.”
Kevin Quiambao returns to action for Goyang Sono Skygunners in the Korean Basketball League (KBL). –KBL PHOTO
Both Tamayo and Quiambao have been contributing well for their respective Korean clubs.
On Sunday, Quiambao chipped in big contributions in Goyang’s 96-71 win over the Seoul SK Knights at Jamsil Student Gymnasium. The former La Salle standout tallied a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds in 34 minutes of action.
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Tamayo, meanwhile, powered the LG Sakers past the Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus, 83-76, on Saturday. The University of the Philippines product dominated with 23 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
