RJ Abarrientos has made history in the Korean Basketball League
Abarrientos was named the 2022-23 KBL Rookie of the Year on Thursday after averaging 13.6 points, 4.8 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 51 games played.
Abarrientos steered Ulsan Hyundai Mobis to the fourth seed after a 34-20 record. They face Goyang in the best-of-three quarterfinals starting on Sunday.
Abarrientos bested good friend Rhenz Abando of Anyang KGC for the award.
The former Far Eastern University guard will be the only Asian Quota player to receive the plum in the foreseeable future as next season, the KBL will have a separate award for Asian imports.
Kim Sunhyung of Seoul SK was named the Season MVP, his second top individual award since 2013.
Meanwhile, Jameel Warney of the Knights earned the Best Import award, and Anyang KGC’s Kim Sangshik was recognized as Coach of the Year.
In addition, the mythical team consisted of Omari Spellman and Byeon Junhyeong of Anyang KGC, Jeon Seonghyun of Goyang, Kim, and Warney.
