KBL: Kevin Quiambao out for 4 weeks due to ruptured ankle ligament

An ankle ligament tear will sideline Kevin Quiambao for four weeks, although he may still make to Gilas' FIBA ACQ games next month. KBL (file photo)
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--As it turns out, it is more than just a sprain for Kevin Quiambao.

The highly touted Goyang rookie will miss four weeks of KBL action a day after his much-awaited debut was cut short by an ankle injury.

Kim Woo-Joong of Naver reported that the former two-time UAAP MVP was diagnosed with a "ruptured ankle ligament" after a bad fall following a three-point attempt early into the second quarter of the Skygunners' game against the Seoul SK Knights.

Quiambao, who already had six points, both on three-pointers, at that point, never returned to the game, raising concerns from his Filipino and newfound Korean fans.

While it could also mean some concerns about his availability for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers February window, Kim further reported that, if his recovery goes well, Quiambao could return as early as Feb. 7 when Goyang travels to Seoul to take on Seoul Samsung featuring a much-improved Justin Gutang.

If ever, though, Mason Amos is on standby if Quiambao's recovery takes longer than expected.

Japeth Aguilar has already been activated for Gilas ahead of its road games against Chinese Taipei and New Zealand due to Kai Sotto's ACL injury.