Win some, lose some: Quiambao injures ankle while Cagulangan impresses in KBL debuts
MANILA, Philippines – UAAP champion stars Kevin Quiambao and JD Cagulangan found themselves in contrasting places in their much-anticipated debuts in the Korean Basketball League (KBL).
For Quiambao, his first foray into professional basketball came to a screeching halt early as he suffered an apparent ankle injury in the first half of Goyang Sono Skygunners’ 84-57 blowout loss against the Seoul SK Knights on Sunday, January 12.
Quiambao held his right ankle after trying to fish a foul on a three-point attempt at the 7:44 mark of the second quarter, before subsequently being taken out of the court and not returned to game action.
After the injury, the two-time UAAP MVP was seen limping off the floor as the team’s medical staff attended to him.
Quiambao, only a month removed from playing in the Season 87 men’s basketball finals, finished the game with 6 points, built on two three-point makes, and 1 rebound in just 7 minutes of action.
The league-leading SK Knights then pounced on Quiambao’s exit, breaking away in the second half en route to the lopsided victory.
The Knights also featured former Gilas Pilipinas player and UP icon Juan Gomez De Liaño, who tallied 8 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists in 16 minutes.
Goyang will play again on Wednesday against Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus before the league’s All-Star weekend from January 18 to 20 and it remains to be seen if the team will still field Quiambao for their next game or just let him recover during the All-Star break.
Meanwhile, former UP hero Cagulangan made his KBL debut last Saturday, January 11, impressing for the Suwon KT Sonicboom in their 78-63 loss to the Seoul Samsung Thunders.
Cagulangan, fresh from UP’s UAAP Season 87 title conquest against Quiambao’s La Salle, posted 7 points, 9 assists, 5 steals, and 4 rebounds to provide immediate impact for Suwon.
The 5-foot-9 guard played against the Thunders’ fellow Filipino import Justin Gutang, who had 11 points in their win.
Cagulangan will face former UP teammate Carl Tamayo and the Changwon LG Sakers on Monday, January 13. – Rappler.com