That’s what it’s all about.
It’s easy to understand why kids today idolize Rhenz Abando. The six-foot-2 guard is a pleasure to watch. He can throw it down with force or readjust midair for a picturesque layup. He makes highlights out of rebounds and blocks. He also has a good sense of humor.
It’s really not surprising to see him become a crowd favorite while playing for the Anyang KGC Red Boosters, the defending champion of the Korean Basketball League (KBL). Of course, he also turned a lot of heads during his colorful stint in the FIBA World Cup with Gilas Pilipinas.
On Monday, the 25-year-old high-flyer from Santo Tomas, La Union posted an Instagram Story to share a touching message he received from a young Filipino fan.
“Wearing your jersey makes me feel like you,” Macky Santilla wrote over a picture of him rocking Abando’s UST Growling Tigers jersey.
“I love your game. Lahat ng ginagawa mo make me love the game even more,” he added.
The Air Abando effect isn’t limited to basketball. It also had a profound influence over the young man’s character.
“Alam ko I’m a kid pero I have ambitions and I will be like you one day,” Santilla said.
“Mag-aaral akong mabuti so then, may tiwala sa akin ‘yung parents ko and girl ko. I want to play basketball because I’m passionate,” he continued. "Idol Rhenz "Air" Abando, thank you for always motivating me. I hope I will be like you one day."
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At the moment, Anyang KGC has a 9-9 card in the KBL, with Abando averaging 10 points and five rebounds per contest. After reading Santilla’s impassioned letter, it’s not far-fetched to see Rhenz increase those numbers in the coming games.
Abando and the Red Boosters will next see action this Wednesday when they face the TNT Tropang Giga in the East Aia Super League.
(PM)