Gilas’ Kevin Quiambao savors support by fans

MANILA, Philippines—After Gilas Pilipinas’ open practice at Philsports Arena on Monday, fans were given a chance to interact with their favorite national team players.

The returning Justin Brownlee drew a number of fans who wanted a picture with the resident Ginebra import  and so did heartthrob Dwight Ramos.

Amid all the frenzy, Kevin Quiambao was taking everything in.

The UAAP Season 86 MVP was spotted by a Gilas faithful wearing a Kai Sotto jersey.

“Idol, papirma!” an excited fan told the La Salle star.

(Idol, can I get your autograph?)

Quiambao gladly obliged as he took the marker and signed with a smile that spanned from ear to ear.

“Sobrang sarap sa feeling (It just feels good),” said Quiambao while signing the ecstatic fan’s clothing.

“It’s so heartwarming to see the support that every Filipino has in the basketball community, not just for us or one player but for the whole team,” he added in Filipino.

It wasn’t like Quiambao was surprised to see the fans flock to the venue.

“Basketball is almost like a religion to us here in the Philippines so I expected this many people to show up today,” said the 22-year-old forward, who is the second youngest member of the team next to Sotto.

“The players I’m here with are more famous than me so, yes. The fans will really come to see you.”

Gilas begins its campaign in the first window of the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers on Thursday in Hong Kong three days before hosting Chinese Taipei at Philsports Arena.