Johnson Thanks Quiambao For Making PBA Experience Possible

Had it not been for Gilas Pilipinas player and former UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao, Jaylen Johnson wouldn’t have been able to relish an enjoyable PBA experience, which turned out to be one of the best times of his life.

Quiambao used to be the teammate of Johnson in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) for the Goyang Sono Skygunners.

A former La Salle stalwart, Quiambao had been working out with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters as part of his build up for the KBL and Gilas, and while joining the team of coach Yeng Guiao during practices, he recommended Johnson, a back up import, as someone who could fit into their team’s system.

Quiambao’s assistant coach at La Salle, Caloy Garcia, is also an assistant coach under Guiao at RoS.

“Ang sabi niya sa akin, ‘Coach magaling ito.’ Kulang lang sa playing time kasi sa team daw nila, siya yung back up import,” Guiao told All-Star Magazine.

At Rain or Shine, Johnson was the main man and the sole reinforcement of the squad, but more than becoming an asset and providing what the team needed, he enjoyed every moment being on the floor with a splash of entertainment.

‘Dancing Jaylen’ may be a fitting description as he had fun doing all the extracurriculars that added positive vibes on the team. 

Sometimes, opposing teams get offended by Johnson’s antics, yet he was loved and adored by fans as the import’s gestures were reflection at how he fell in love with Pinoy basketball.

So when Johnson was about to leave the Ynares Center on the heels of their 118-107 loss in Game 6 of their best-of-seven semifinals series that officially ended the Elasto Painters’ campaign in the Commissioner’s Cup, the reinforcement did not leave Quiambao’s name as one of the important people he thanked for.

“I’d like to thank Kevin. I was hoping you’d be here and hoping to see you before I leave,” Johnson told All-Star Magazine. “So, thank you, my brother.”

“It’s a fun experience. For sure, I’ll be back, because I can’t leave like that,” he added, hinting at the possibility of making his return to the PBA either for another tour of duty with Rain or Shine or possibly, another squad.

But with the Elasto Painters keeping his rights and the bonding and great chemistry he developed with the rest of the team being given more importance, it’s highly likely that he’ll be back to reinforce Rain or Shine in an import-laced tournament that features reinforcements of unlimited height.

“I love the fans, but more than that, I wanted to end winning a championship. If they want me to come back, I would love  to come back,” added Johnson. “It’s a great experience.”