Get to know the story behind Kevin Quiambao’s neon-themed player-exclusive sneakers.
Kevin Quiambao continues to prove why he’s one of Philippine basketball’s brightest young stars.
Now playing for the Goyang Sono Skygunners in the Korean Basketball League, KQ has made history once more as the first Filipino player to receive a player exclusive (PE) colorway with sportswear giant Adidas.
Dubbed as the “KQ63”, Quiambao’s Adidas PE is a customized take on the Adizero Select 3.0 team model and is the result of a crossover with local toy designer and frequent Adidas collaborator Juanito “Quiccs” Maiquez.
First worn by Houston Rockets star Jalen Green, the KQ63 is set to receive a general release this June 12, or during Philippine Independence Day.
“Personally super laking boost sa akin, and I’m very very thankful sa Adidas PH for making it happen, so hopefully madami pa kaming collaborations in the works. Very very happy na mayroon akong ganito and gumawa kami ng history ni Kuya Quiccs,” Quiambao said during the pre-launch party held at the Clubhouse in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) last June 4.
“It’s a big booster of confidence for me, na na-rock ni Jalen Green ‘yun, and hopefully mai-rock ko din siya soon sa NBA.”
Bright colors for a bright future
Quite literally, it’s hard not to notice the KQ63, given that it sports a bright pink base that is complemented with lime green and white accents. The words “loud”, “bright”, and “neon” may come to mind when anybody tries to describe this particular design.
According to Quiccs, the overall look was a personal request from Kevin Quiambao, whose love for neon pink reflects his vision for the Filipino youth and basketball. As an added bonus, Quiccs also pointed out how the neon tones align with NBA players’ current preferences.
“I don’t want to take the words out of KQ’s mouth, but I think he said something that it represents the ‘bright future of the Filipino youth’,” Quiccs said of the design process. “And we all know Kevin Quiambao, he puts a lot of importance on inspiring the youth.”
“Besides the professional leagues, he loves playing with the minor leagues in the streets, kasi he wants to inspire the young basketball players to become like him din, na there is a global stage waiting for them if they play.”
Quiccs’ creative partnership with Adidas started back in 2021, when he created the “Manila Heritage” colorway for James Harden’s Harden Vol. 5 signature sneakers. Since then, he’s gone on to put his own twist on timeless models such as the Superstar and Forum Low.
But for him, the “KQ63” will always hold a special place in his heart, given that it is a collaboration that contributes to the fast-rising stardom of Kevin Quiambao.
“Of course, I feel super honored na this is the first time I’ve worked with a local basketball player, so that makes it extra special for me. The first one that I did for adidas was James Harden, ‘yung Harden Vol. 5 which was back in 2021, if I’m not mistaken,” Quiccs proudly reflected.
“For me, it feels extra special now that I collaborated with a local guy na we all know is a generational talent, and we’re all rooting for him to do well in his career,” Quiccs said of KQ, who is fresh off his first season with Goyang Sono.
Apart from the loud neon tones, the KQ63 also showcases Kevin Quiambao and Quiccs’ creative partnership through subtle details, starting with Quiccs’ signature by the Lightstrike midsole.
The shank plate, meanwhile, features Quiccs’ skull logo aligned with Adidas’ iconic three stripes, along with the futuristic-looking KQ text that was created for the sneaker.
Let’s not forget about the insoles either, which feature a custom illustration of Quiambao and Quiccs’ signature toy robot character, TEQ63.
“So extremely special for me kasi if you’re familiar with my brand, we always give extra importance to being a Filipino. Quiccs63 is a Filipino brand, and Quiccs is from the Philippines, so nakakataba ng puso to work with Kevin Quiambao in a super local release, so our collaboration is very special,” Quiccs concluded.
Banner images from Adidas, Kevin Quiambao, and Quiccs on Instagram.