As his best friend since their UAAP days with University of Santo Tomas, Brent Paraiso wishes Rhenz Abando all the best in achieving his lifelong goals.
On the 28th of July, an annoucement came that Abando would forego his last playing year for Letran. He ended up as a one-and-done for Colegio de San Juan de Letran, and will now play for Anyang KGC in the Korean Basketball League.
Paraiso feels proud of what Abando has achieved so far in his career, and feels excited to see his pal bring his talents abroad.
“Siyempre, masaya ako para sa kanya kasi ‘yun naman ‘yung pangarap niya para sa pamilya niya.
“So ayun onti-onti niya nari-reach ‘yung goals niya, so sobrang masaya ako para sa kanya,” answered Paraiso when asked if he felt sad about Abando’s sudden leave.
The two have been together since UAAP season 82 with the Growling Tigers when Aldin Ayo was still the head coach. They then transferred to Letran in 2020, with whom they won the NCAA Season 97 crown.
Happiness and prosperity were the only things that Paraiso wished for Abando since they always talked about their plans and goals in their respective basketball careers.
“Oo, trabaho lang siya. ‘Yun naman pinag-uusapan naman namin lagi eh – yung mga pangarap namin sa buhay. So ayun, na nga pa-onti-onti natutupad niya,” said the 24-year-old Paraiso.
Now, with Abando gone, Paraiso will continue to trust his fellow teammates and coaches.
He shall also make it a point to step up and help Letran overcome challenges as it seeks to annex a third straight NCAA crown.
“Ganun pa din. Tiwala pa rin sa mga teammates ko kasi nagtitiwala pa rin sila sa akin pati ‘yung mga coaches. So ‘yun lang sinusuklian ko lang ‘yung tiwala nila sa’kin,” the 6-foot-2 swingman shared
As more and more players in the collegiate ranks move to play professional basketball overseas, Paraiso is not dismissing the notion that he can be one of them down the line.
However, a big decision like that will take time to ponder on and he is ready to cross the bridge when it gets there.
“Di ko pa alam eh. Wala pa naman tayo dun eh. Pag dumating na tayo dun, dun na tayo mag de-desisyon.
“Wala, ewan ko di ko nga alam eh,” he said in jest about if there are any offers for him to play overseas.
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