Big move for the KBL Rookie of the Year.
RJ Abarrientos is taking his talents from Hallyu Land to the Land of the Rising Sun.
The 2022-2023 KBL Rookie of the Year will now suit up for the Shinshu Brave Warriors in the Japan B.League, the team announced on Tuesday.
“I am excited for this new journey with Shinshu Brave Warriors and will do my best to win as many games as we can in this season,” said the nephew of PBA legend Johnny.
“I can’t wait to play in front of our fans and see you soon.”
Abarrientos normed 13.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.4 steals in leading the Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus to the quarterfinals last KBL season.
RJ won't be the only Pinoy in Shinshu. Filipino-Japanese Matthew Aquino, son of another PBA legend in Marlou, is also part of the team.
The two are just among the B.League's growing list of Filipino recruits, which include the likes of Thirdy and Kiefer Ravena, Dwight Ramos, Ray Parks, and Carl Tamayo.
(GM)