KBL 2025-2026: Quiambao bags Rookie of the Year plum, Alvano named in Mythical Five

Kevin Quiambao received the Rookie of the Year award as he helped the Goyang Sono Skygunners reach the playoffs of the 2025-2026 Korean Basketball League. (Photo: Goyang Sono Skygunners)

Gilas Pilipinas mainstay Kevin Quiambao became the third Filipino cager to win the Rookie of the Year award in the Korean Basketball League (KBL).

On Thursday, April 9, the former De La Salle University standout received the recognition during the 2025-2026 KBL Regular Season Awards Ceremony at the Grand Intercontinental Seoul Parnas in Gangnam-gu.

Quiambao followed the footsteps of RJ Abarrientos and JD Cagulangan, who won the accolade in the 2022-2023 and 2024-2025 seasons for Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus and Suwon KT Sonicboom, respectively.

“It is an honor to receive the Rookie of the Year award,” said Quiambao in his acceptance speech, as reported by the Tiebreaker Times.

“I am grateful not only to the club officials but also to the fans in Korea and the Philippines,” he added.

The 6-foot-6 versatile forward led all rookie candidates in scoring, rebounding, and playmaking after averaging 15.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game for Goyang Sono across 54 games.

With his contributions, the Skygunners secured their first playoff appearance since rebranding in 2023.

Goyang Sono finished fifth in the final standings of the regular season with a 28-26 record, improving from its eighth-place finish last season on a 19-35 slate.

Quiambao and the rest of the Skygunners will face fellow Filipino import Arvin Tolentino and the Seoul SK Knights in the best-of-three quarterfinals.

Filipino-American guard Ethan Alvano of Wonju DB Promy, meanwhile, was named in the Mythical Five. He tallied 17.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 1.9 steals.

The 2024 KBL Season Most Valuable Player and his team are also set to play in the quarterfinals after rounding up the regular season in third place, taking on Busan KCC.