At long last, Rhenz Abando has finally showcased his worth after being given significant playing time in Gilas Pilipinas’ match against the 10th-ranked Italy in the FIBA Basketball World Cup group phase on Tuesday night.
Abando accumulated eight points, two rebounds, and had a highlight block on Giampaolo Ricci in the 90-83 defeat against the Azzurri, which shattered the Philippines’ chances of advancing to the second round of the tournament.
The former NCAA Rookie of the Year-MVP expressed his contentment with finally getting some action, as he had been sidelined during the team’s opening game against the Dominican Republic and played only five minutes in the loss against Angola.
However, Abando remains dissatisfied as Gilas Pilipinas failed to secure a victory for the third consecutive time.
“Masaya syempre binigyan ako ng pagkakataon para ipakita yung sarili ko, at the same time, disappointed kasi talo,” said Abando.
The 25-year-old Korean Basketball League champion mentioned that he has used the times he was cut during the past windows of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers as motivation.
“Ano naman e, last time sa FIBA Asia na-cut ako nun eh. Parang naging motivation ko yun. Ngayon alam ko marami pa akong kailangan i-improve sa sarili ko,” he said.
“Sa susunod na call-up, kung ano man ibigay, tatanggapin ko yun kasi alam ko, nakikita ng mga coaches at alam ko may mga lapses din ako, so kailangan kong pagbutihin pa, malaman ko yung mga pagkakamali ko para mas marami akong makuhang minutes sa mga susunod,” added the Anyang KGC guard.
Gilas Pilipinas still has two games left in the classification round, and Abando vowed to give his all for the home crowd.
“Sabi nga, nag-usap kami ni Manong na lagi lang ready. Ayun din, mine-message niya ako, sabi ko ready lang talaga tayo.”
