Abarrientos is looking to make a splash in Japan as well.
RJ Abarrientos is now in Japan as he gets ready to prepare with his new team, the Shinshu Brave Warriors, over at the Japan B.League.
Abarrientos, who was hailed as the KBL Rookie of the Year last season, was given a warm welcome by the Shinshu coaches and his soon-to-be teammates.
RJ will even be teaming up with Filipino-Japanese player Matthew Aquino, who knew how to properly welcome the 23-year-old guard to the team: with a loving, gentle tap to the head, of course.
Abarrientos topped all Asian imports in the KBL last season with per game everages of 13.6 points, 4.8 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 51 appearances for the Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus.
The former FEU Tamaraw will look to further boost Shinshu's title hopes after the Japanese squad finished 10th last season with a 29-30 win-loss record.
Abarrientos will also get to face several Gilas Pilipinas players in Japan such as Thirdy Ravena, Kiefer Ravena, Kai Sotto, Carl Tamayo, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., Matthew Wright, and Dwight Ramos.
And don't think the flamboyant playmaker will be backing down to anyone, especially since he is himself a Gilas stalwart.
Needless to say, these are exciting times ahead, indeed, for RJ.