Strong Group-Pilipinas announced the signing of Rhenz Abando for the upcoming 43rd William Jones Cup, scheduled to take place from July 13 to 21, 2024, in Taipei, Taiwan on Tuesday.
Abando, 26, is currently a free agent after opting not to renew his contract with Korean Basketball League club Anyang Jung Kwan Jang.
Abando was instrumental in giving the then-KGC-backed team the KBL championship back in the 2022-23 season.
The explosive 6-foot-2 winger from Santo Tomas, La Union, is eager to join Strong Group before embarking on his next journey overseas.
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“More on excited ako makapaglaro for Strong Group kasi nung nasa Korea ako, pinapanood ko yung games nila sa Dubai,” said Abando, who averaged 9.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists last season in the KBL.
“Talagang napasaya nila ang mga fans dun. Sana mapasaya din namin ang mga kababayan natin sa Taiwan ngayong Jones Cup.”
Head coach Charles Tiu, also the head coach of the St. Benilde Blazers in the NCAA, expressed his enthusiasm about coaching Abando.
“I’m happy to have the opportunity to finally coach Rhenz. I’ve coached against him in the past, and I think he’s a great player,” said Tiu.
“He gives us a lot of athleticism and firepower.”
Abando is also looking forward to playing under Tiu.
“Looking forward din ako to be under Coach Charles kasi new system at alam kong may matutunan ako sa kanya,” added Abando.
The talented winger feels particularly excited about reuniting with friends RJ Abarrientos and Angelo Kouame, as well as playing alongside one of his mentors, Kiefer Ravena.
“Makakasama ko na naman ang mga repa kaya siguradong maraming kulitan ‘to on and off the court,” expressed Abando.
Also joining Abando in the Strong Group Athletics roster for the Jones Cup are Jordan Heading, Caelan Tiongson, and Chris McCullough.
