Gilas Pilipinas forwards Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao expressed readiness to take on greater responsibilities ahead of the August window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, following the absence of naturalized star Justin Brownlee.
With Brownlee sidelined at a vital stretch in the national team’s qualification campaign, the two 25-year-old forwards are expected to absorb increased playing time, with Tamayo slated to move into the starting lineup.
“There is a lot of talent in this team so dapat we stick to our roles kung ano ang dapat naming gawin to help the team win the two games na parating,” Tamayo stated.
“It’s gonna be crucial for us especially sa amin ni KQ kasi wala si Justin,” he added.
Both players have shown steady growth as primary contributors in recent international competitions. Tamayo registered 17 points and four rebounds during a strong performance against New Zealand in the previous window, while Quiambao led the squad in the same contest with 23 points, three rebounds, and two assists.
“For me yung opportunity dumating lang so tinake-advantage ko lang siya. ‘Yung points ko naman nanggagaling sa system so for me, I’ll just keep working hard, mas maging fluid pa ako for the upcoming windows,” Quiambao said regarding his ongoing development within the national program.
Despite their elevated roles, both forwards acknowledged the challenge of filling the void left by Brownlee, who has averaged 14.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists across five qualifier games.
“I don’t think naman magagawa namin yung ginagawa ni Justin. No one in our team is gonna be like Justin but I think we’ll do kung ano lang yung kaya namin ibigay para matulungan ‘yung bansa natin,” Tamayo emphasized.