There’s definitely more to come for the high-flying Filipino.
It’s a dream come true for the 25-year-old hooper from Santo Tomas, La Union.
Leaving one’s comfort zone is never easy. But the sacrifice could all be worth it once the payoff is earned. Such is the case with Filipino basketball star Rhenz Abando. Choosing to play pro ball in Korea last year, he’s now reaping the rewards of the risk he took.
In November of 2022, Anyang KGC of the Korean Basketball League (KBL) signed the athletic guard to a massive contract worth 237 million won, which is almost 10 million pesos in the Philippines. Through the 2022-23 KBL season, Abando, with his high-wire act and energetic play, became a fan-favorite, especially after he won the dunk contest during the All-Star break. In the East Asia Super League (EASL), he showed out and helped his squad win the tournament. And just recently, he became a champion as Anyang defeated the Seoul SK Knights in a finals series that went seven games.
When all that finally sank in, Rhenz went on Instagram to put his colorful Korean basketball journey in proper perspective.
“From setting goals to working hard and finally reaching them. The ride is never easy, but it shaped me into the Champion I envisioned myself to be,” he posted on Tuesday.
Writing the word Champion in capital C, winning the KBL crown must’ve meant extra special to him, considering where he came from and what he’s been through. Abando first made noise in the Philippines as a member of the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers back in Season 82 of the UAAP. When the Aldin Ayo-mentored UST team disbanded, Rhenz transferred to the NCAA, where he won MVP honors and a championship with the Letran Knights in 2021. Ultimately deciding to take the leap to the next level, Rhenz took his talents overseas.
“Made my way up to this season as a Champion despite all the ups and downs, reminding myself to work hard until you are proud. Until the next one,” Abando wrote to end his message.
With everything he had achieved, his peers such as Ray Parks, Jamie Malonzo, and former UST teammate Brent Paraiso, had nothing but words of admiration and encouragement for their friend.
“Congratulations, paps! Proud of you. Only the beginning,” Parks commented on Abando’s post.