Daniel 'Booby' Gibson -- I Will Always Love Keyshia Cole

More progress in what was one of the most bitter breakups EVER -- with ex-NBA star Daniel "Booby" Gibson saying he still loves his estranged R&B star wife Keyshia Cole.

Don't forget, these two went to WAR with each other -- trading nasty insults in public ... until they hashed out a truce in the last few weeks.

And good news -- seems like things are still POSITIVE ... with Gibson telling TMZ Sports he'll ALWAYS love Keyshia ... and is dedicated to being a good father to their son.

There's more ... Gibson also praises Cole's parenting skills, which again, is huge progress.