Rhenz Abando was showered with cheers inside the sold-out Filoil Flying V Centre on Sunday.
In his first year at Philippine College Science and Technology in Calasiao, Abando went unnoticed.
Two years later, Abando played within a rigid system at University of Santo Tomas.
In his first of two seasons with Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Abando saw himself unleashed. He dropped averages of 15.11 points, 6.67 rebounds, 1.89 assists, and 1.44 blocks during the elimination round en route to winning MVP.
But winning MVP was never Abando’s goal.
“Sobrang saya pero hindi pa tapos yung trabaho namin. Mga award na nakuha ko, hindi pa ko nakokontento, championship yung goal namin,” said Abando, who was also the NCAA’s Rookie of the Year and a Mythical Team member.
“Actually, wala sa goal ko ang mga ‘to. Gusto ko lang mag-champion. Lagi kasi ako nagfafall short, nakakapasok sa finals. Ang goal ko talaga is mag-champion.”
A championship has eluded Abando in college, though.
He was not able to win a crown in Calasiao and in UST.
Just one win away from winning his first-ever collegiate title, the 6-foot-3 all-around winger made sure to pay tribute to all of them.
“Nagpapasalamat ako kayla Fr. Rector Clarence [Marquez], Fr. Vic Calvo, Coach Bonnie [Tan], Boss Al [Chua], Boss [Waiyip], at sa lahat ng teammates ko,” he said.
“Nagpapasalamat din ako sa UST community at sa lahat ng coaches ko, sila Chris Calaguio, Jun Marzan, at kay Coach Aldin [Ayo].”
