He had quite a performance.
The battle between the Anyang KGC Red Boosters and the TNT Tropang Giga in the East Asia Super League (EASL) in South Korea wasn’t only marked as a battle between two champion teams. It also marked the opportunity to see Rhenz Abando go up against some of his teammates in Gilas Pilipinas.
Abando would go on to have a solid outing against the Tropang Giga as he finished with 13 points, two rebounds, three assists, and one steal in Anyang KGC’s 105-97 victory.
With the win, the Red Boosters improved to 2-0 in the EASL, while TNT remained winless after absorbing its fourth loss in as many games.
But even before the two teams collided, Abando was asked how he felt about going up against the Tropang Giga.
“Siyempre, excited na kinakabahan,” Abando said in a video posted by the EASL. “Excited ako kasi for sure may matututnan ako sa game na 'yun and kinakabahan din ako kasi alam ko magagaling sila and skilled, so andun 'yung pressure rin. Pero more on excited.”
Going up against TNT also meant that Abando would face his former Gilas coach Chot Reyes, who included him in the final lineup for the FIBA World Cup.
After seeing scant minutes in their first few games, Reyes gave more burn time for the former NCAA Rookie of the Year-MVP. And Abando quickly repaid the trust, showing everyone what he could bring to the table for the national team.
That’s why Abando, who is idolized by many young Filipino hoopers, had a clear mindset as well coming into their match against TNT.
“Siyempre gagawin ko 'yung best ko para if ever man na may mga call-up again na siya (Reyes) 'yung maging coach (ng Gilas), mas pagkakatiwalaan na niya ako ngayon,” said Abando.
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This won’t be the last time that Anyang KGC, who claimed the first EASL Champions Week trophy, and TNT will meet in the tournament.
The two powerhouse squads will battle again on January 24, this time in the Philippines.
Fans will surely won’t miss that opportunity of seeing Abando back in the country facing the Tropang Giga.
(PM)