Abando can be an asset to Gilas with his shooting, athleticism, and devil-may-care attitude.
The Gilas Pilipinas coaching staff will have a glut of guards and wings to choose from as it looks to finalize the pool of players that will be preparing for the FIBA World Cup in August. The players in this pool will need to commit to the grind, as they will be asked to train for at least two months with no guarantee whatsoever of making the Magic 12 later on.
That is a heck of a commitment to make, and it might turn off some players.
Not Rhenz Abando.
In a chance interview at the Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night on Monday, the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball MVP told News5’s Martie Bautista that he would be willing to go on that grind should he get the call.
There are, however, some extenuating factors that might affect Abando’s final decision if ever.
For one, he is under contract with the Korean Basketball League champions, Anyang KGC.
“Ako always ready naman [to join Gilas], kaso pero kailangan ko muna kausapin ‘yung team kung paano ang setup kasi hindi rin naman basta-basta,” Abando said.
The Letran Knights alum admits that the long commitment will possibly pose a conflict with his offseason work at Anyang, which is also welcoming new players.
“Alam ko medyo matagal mawawala. Siguro kailangan din namin pag-usapan. Kasi kung babalik ako dun may mga bago kaming player, medyo mahihirapan kami mag-gel ulit,” the 25-year-old high-flyer explained.
Abando, of course, has a good chance of getting resigned by Anyang, whom he helped win the 2023 KBL championship with per game averages of 8.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.0 assist, and 1.0 block. And, in that case, he might be looking at another life-changing pay day similar to the 237 million won contract he got in his first year in the KBL.
Even so, Abando made one thing clear.
“Pero willing naman ako.”
(With reports from Martie Bautista, News5)
(GM)