Tim Cone is proud of RJ Abarrientos for embracing his role off the bench with Ginebra.
From the UAAP to the Korean Basketball league and up to the Japan B.League, RJ Abarrientos has always been the man.
But that has had to change when he joined Ginebra in the PBA this year.
As the Gin Kings enjoy a surplus of firepower, the spitfire rookie has to come off the bench each game.
Embracing that role was a testament to Abarrientos’ character, said Ginebra coach Tim Cone.
“[I'm] really proud of him for taking that role and going with it. He’s been a star at all the other league’s he’s been in and to come here and come off the bench for us, it's really a testament to his character,” said Cone.
But on Friday, Oct. 18, Abarrientos took the spotlight and lifted the Gin Kings past San Miguel, 121-92, in Game 5 of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup semifinals.
The nephew of PBA legend Johnny Abarrientos dropped a career-high 28 points for Ginebra, which closed in on a finals appearance with a 3-2 lead in the series.
The young Abarrientos said he was simply doing his job.
“Wala naman akong masyadong iniisip ngayon. I just stuck to the system. 'Di ko pinipilit mga shots ko,” said Abarrientos.
“I just go with the flow sa offense and defense. I’m not forcing anything. Ginagawa ko lang ang part ko coming from the bench.”
Cone intervened, saying Abarrientos wasn’t just a bench player.
“He’s a starter off the bench. He calls himself a bench player, but he’s a starter off the bench. Theres no doubt about it. He’s going to be a starter for years and years and years,” the winningest coach in the PBA said.
Eventually, Cone added, Abarrientos will be handed the keys to the crowd favorites.
“This is going to be for a short time, a short term, as we have this kind of lineup. Eventually, he’s going to be the starter and the star of this team, without a doubt,” Cone said.