His ROY season in South Korea is just the beginning.
Filipino basketball star RJ Abarrientos made a ton of noise during his first season in the Korean Basketball League (KBL). Averaging 13.6 ponts, 2.9 boards, 4.8 dimes, and 1.4 steals through 51 games for Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus, he was named 2022-23 KBL Rookie of the Year. For a time, the 23-year-old playmaker was even in the conversation to win the MVP trophy.
His magnificent run ended on Monday when Mobis exited the quarterfinals, no thanks to the Goyang Carrot Jumpers. In the deciding Game 5, Abarrientos only managed to score 5 points as his team bowed out, 77-71.
Well, even if things didn’t go entirely according to plan, which included a semifinals showdown against Rhenz Abando and Anyang KGC, there’s no denying that the former FEU Tamaraw had a season to remember in the KBL.
On his Instagram, RJ showed his appreciation for the fans of Mobis Phoebus. He even threw in a couple of Korean words he had learned during his time overseas.
“Kamshamnida! Saranghaeyo! See you soon,” Abarrientos wrote.
“Kamshamnida” is Korean for “thank you”, while “saranghaeyo” means “I love you.” Clearly, the young Filipino hooper is raring to return and keep balling out in South Korea. Why wouldn’t he?
Being able to play the sport he loves at a high level while representing his roots internationally is a blessing. More so if he’s earning good money while doing it, which he is. Abarrientos must be having the time of his life, hooping in the KBL. And we’re looking forward to seeing what else he has in store.