Air Abando keeps turning heads.
One player who really made an impression on basketball fans across the land during the FIBA World Cup was Rhenz Abando. Once he was given more playing time, he went in even harder. He blocked shots, he threw it down, and his energy was disruptive to the opposing team. When the smoke cleared, he gained the admiration of countless hoop lovers, including Philippine basketball legends.
To be specific, several members of the PBA Motoclub were highly impressed by the pride of Santo Tomas, La Union. Gilas Pilipinas icon Marc Pingris, who hails from the Ilocos region, had nothing but positive words for the former NCAA MVP. Ping also made sure to send Abando a sincere and thoughtful message through the PBA Motoclub’s YouTube channel.
“Lakay, paghirapan mo pa ‘yan. Huwag lalaki ang ulo mo. Kung mayroon ka mang mga kontrata ngayon, mag-ipon ka para sa future mo, para sa future ng family mo,” the three-time PBA Defensive Player of the Year awardee said.
“Tsaka huwag mababago ‘yung attitude mo at sumama ka sa mga player na magaganda ang attitude. Huwag kang sumama sa mga bad attitude,” he stressed.
Being in a circle of good people is crucial to anyone’s career path, whether it be in sports or anywhere else. That’s why PBA great Mac Cardona felt compelled to piggyback on Pingris’ piece of advice. The De La Salle Green Archers legend even used himself as an example to fully express what he wanted to say.
“Example ako,” said Cardona, which caused the other PBA retirees to laugh out loud.
“’Pag hindi kayo pinasok, kausapin niyo coach niyo, ‘Coach, ano ba problema? Bakit hindi niyo ko pinapasok? Ano, gusto niyo, suntukan tayo?”
Cardona’s quip drew even more laughter. But kidding aside, he really had some nice words for the Korean Basketball League Asian import.
“Rhenz, huwag mo kong gagayahin. Mag-ipon ka. ‘Yung mga kaibigan mo ‘nung wala ka pa, huwag mong kakalimutan ‘yun dahil ‘yun ang mga totoo mong kaibigan,”Cardona explained.
“Pero ‘yung mga bago, ‘yung mga dumadating sa’yo, medyo ingat ka sa mga gan’on. Huwag ka ring magpapa-scam sa mga nego-negosyo. Kailngan pag-aralan mo bago ka pumasok,” he continued.
Heard that. Rhenz?
(CF)