By: Gab Ignacio
Rhenz Abando confirmed that he will continue to play overseas following his free agency after two seasons with Anyang Jung Kwan Jang in the KBL.
“Tinitingnan ko pa yung market, naghihintay lang din kami ng mga offer,” Abando said during Strong Group’s media day at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong.
In his two-year stint, Abando was the highest-paid KBL import and averaged 8.48 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game.
He helped Anyang bring home a championship in the 2022-23 season.
The 26-year-old wingman, meanwhile, is set to leave with SGA on July 12 for the 43rd William Jones Cup in Taipei.
This will be Abando’s fourth time playing for the Philippines, following his selection with Gilas Pilipinas in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
“Sobrang sarap lang sa feeling na i-represent ‘yong Pilipinas,” Abando said.
“Kahit naman naglalaro kami sa ibang bansa, ibang team yung gamit namin, as a Filipino, nirerepresent pa rin namin yung bansa natin.”
The 6-foot-2 La Union native also expressed enthusiasm about playing with longtime mentor Kiefer Ravena, who will serve as captain of this SGA squad.
“Super thankful ako kasi laging andyan si Manong,” Abando said.
“Since nung World Cup siya nagga-guide samin eh, so ‘pag nagsu-struggle kami, tatabihan ko lang siya and then magtatanong lang mga bagay-bagay.
“Kahit na nasa ibang bansa ako, ‘pag nag-struggle ako sa liga ko sa KBL, nagmemessage ako sa kanya and nag-a-advice lang siya, so sobrang helpful niya,” he added.
The 2024-2025 KBL season will kickstart on October 19.
