Rhenz Abando will be out for a while for Anyang Jung Kwan Jang, the defending KBL champions.
The Asian import suffered fractures to his 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae, a sprained wrist, and a concussion during the Red Boosters’ game against the Goyang Sono Skygunners.
The injury occurred with 4:24 left in the second quarter when Abando went for a rebound. As he descended, he crashed back-first onto the court, his body bouncing off the surface. Replays indicate that Goyang Sono import Chinanu Onuaku slightly pushed Abando from behind while he was in mid-air, leading to the collision.
Abando is set to undergo re-evaluation after a month.
“Abando is a member of our team and also a member of the Philippine national team. It makes no sense for him to injure his spine just from competing for a rebound,” expressed an Anyang JKJ official to Jumpball, criticizing the game umpires for not adequately protecting the players.
“I am so upset that it has come to a point where he is in the general hospital. If he takes a break for 4 weeks, he will not be able to participate in the All-Star Game Dunk Contest or play in the EASL (East Asian Super League).”
Abando, who has been contributing an average of 9.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game, faces the risk of missing significant events. Currently, the Red Boosters hold the seventh position in the league with a 10-16 record.
