The Gilas coaches have been very hard on the high-flying swingman during practice.
At 25, Rhenz Abando is the youngest player currently suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas’ series of tune-up games leading up to the FIBA World Cup.
On Saturday in Kaunas, Lithuania, the former NCAA MVP showed that he belongs with the big boys as he stood out in Gilas’ 70-61 victory over against Ukraine’s under-20 team. After the friendly contest, longtime Gilas mentor Chot Reyes gave his honest assessment of Abando’s play and overall value to the team.
“His upside is tremendous. He only needs to be able to defend the way that we want him to defend and to understand our offense as well,” Reyes divulged to One Sports’ Carlo Pamintuan.
“But as you can see, when he gets open, when he gets his opportunities, he’s a scorer. He’s a very explosive scorer, and I think that’s very important to us,” he elaborated.
Against the young hoopers of Ukraine, Abando was in his element as he led Gilas in scoring with 10 points entering the fourth period. He then continued his offensive assault in the final frame, which was highlighted by back-to-back fastbreak buckets that gave the Filipino cagers a 59-50 cushion with seven minutes to go. With his latest performance that saw him post a total of 18 points for the game, the high-flyer from Santo Tomas, La Union continued to impress the Gilas mentor, although the latter still wants to see more from the Korean Basketball League (KBL) Asian import.
“Very happy with the way he continues to develop. But still, [needs] a lot of improvement, especially on the defensive end,” the veteran tactician said.
Later today, Sunday at 5pm, Abando will get another chance to prove that he deserves a slot in the Philippines’ final lineup for the FIBA World Cup when Gilas takes on Ukraine’s U20 anew.
(With reports from Carlo Pamintuan, One Sports)
(GM)