Rhenz Abando admitted that he had apprehensions about himself when he first joined Gilas Pilipinas Men’s pool.
Despite being the top dog in the NCAA, the Letranite shared that being with the elite UAAP prospects and overseas Filipino imports was a different feeling.
“Nung una kinakabahan kasi yung mga player na yan, talagang magagaling. Alam mo yung feeling na lahat nang nandun magagaling,” the 24-year-old winger shared to One PH’s The Chasedown.
“Kinakabahan ako pero at the same time, excited. Hindi mo puwedeng sayangin yung oportunidad.”
And during his international debut, Abando dazzled.
Despite being shorthanded against the Koreans, Gilas figured in two close losses in the 2022 KB Kookmin Bank Invitational.
Abando played a huge part in Gilas’ brave stands against the full force Koreans, averaging 15.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.0 blocks, and 1.0 assists.
Definitely, the reigning NCAA MVP proved that he belongs.
Asked by SPIN.ph’s Gerry Ramos on whether he is deadset on playing out his final year with Letran, Abando gave a second thought before giving a response.
(C) KBA
“Bahala na po si Batman. Pero so far wala pa namang offers [overseas],” he said bluntly.
“Madami pong nagpaparamdam sa akin pero wala pa kong nakakausap directly.”
Earlier, Tiebreaker Times reported that Changwon LG had great interest in getting Abando but decided on signing Justin Gutang.
And according to reports, Abando impressed the scouts that went to Gyeonggi.
The 6-foot-2 winger shared that just like his peers, it is also his dream to play as an import overseas.
After all, he has proven that he can play against the continent’s finest.
“Gusto ko rin po ma-try kasi feeling ko kaya ko namang makipagsabayan sa kanila.”
