Rhenz Abando has clarified the reason behind his absence from the Gilas Pilipinas Men’s preparation for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.
The 27-year-old high-flying guard was named to the extended pool for the tournament, joining the likes of Ginebra’s Troy Rosario and RJ Abarrientos, and Magnolia’s Zavier Lucero.
At the time of his invitation, Abando was still committed to playing for Strong Group-Philippines in the 44th William Jones Cup.
“Nung time na yun, alam nila Coach Richard (del Rosario) na may commitment pa ako sa Strong Group,” Abando told Tiebreaker Times.
“Pero napag-agreehan naman namin na pagbalik namin from Taiwan, tatawagan nila ako para mag-practice sa kanila.”
The Jones Cup ran from July 12 to 20, with Strong Group sweeping all eight games to secure back-to-back championships in the annual international tournament.
Abando and the rest of the squad returned to the Philippines on July 22.
Shortly after his return, he received another call from the Gilas brass.
“Nung tinawagan na nila ako nung pagdating namin, sabi nila na hindi na raw ako aabot dahil short time na lang para matutunan yung sistema ni Coach Tim (Cone),” said the 6-foot-2 guard from Santo Tomas, La Union.
“Pero sabi naman din ni Coach Richard na kasama na rin ako sa pool kaya grateful pa rin ako.”
Abando is currently grateful for another opportunity abroad as he returns to the Korean Basketball League after being re-signed by his former team, Anyang Jung Kwan Jang.
“Nagpapasalamat talaga ako sa Anyang at lalo na sa Bridge Sports Global, kayla Manong (Kiefer Ravena) at Boss Miguel (Alegre) dahil nakabalik ako sa Korea,” said Abando, who had been a free agent for over a year.
“Gagawin ko ang lahat para mabalik yung tiwala na binigay nila sa akin. Second chance ko na ito e at hindi lahat ng tao nabibigyan nito.”
Looking ahead, Abando remains hopeful that he will be included in the Gilas pool for the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, which begin this November.
The KBL strictly follows the FIBA calendar, making it possible for him to be available for national team duties.
“Basta tawagan tayo, ready tayo lagi para sa bayan.”
