If RJ Abarrientos continues or surpasses his stellar rookie showing for Barangay Ginebra come the championship series against the TNT Tropang Giga, his dream of a first-ever PBA title can become reality.
RJ Abarrientos picked the best time to raise his game to another level.
The result? The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel are once again back to PBA Governors' Cup Finals.
Abarrientos proved to be a royal thorn to the San Miguel Beermen’s side, helping the Gin Kings send June Mar Fajardo and Co. packing in six games of their thrilling semifinal encounter.
The final two games of the Gin Kings-Beermen series saw the former Korean Basketball League (KBL) Rookie of the Year averaged 18.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and four assists-- enough to cop the latest PBA Press Corps-Pilipinas Live Player of the Week citation.
Abarrientos erupted for a new career-high 28 points to propel the Gin Kings to a 121-92 Game 5 romp of the Beermen for a pivotal 3-2 series lead.
[ALSO READ: RJ Abarrientos, other Ginebra locals step up in PBA semis Game 5 win over San Miguel]
In the series-clinching Game 6, the former FEU Tamaraw continued his fine play with some clutch baskets late, fnishing with 16 markers and six dimes to help Barangay Ginebra set up a title rematch against defending champion TNT Tropang Giga.
[ALSO READ: Ginebra rookie RJ Abarrientos credits Justin Brownlee in first PBA Finals appearance]
Even the winningest coach in league history in head coach Tim Cone marveled at his prized rookie’s ability to raise his game when it mattered the most.
“[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,” Cone spoke.
[ALSO READ: RJ Abarrientos, future starter, star of Ginebra: Tim Cone]
The nephew of former MVP and 12-time champion Johnny Abarrientos also relished the opportunity in competing against his idol Terrence Romeo with former getting the upper hand from the latter eventually.
“Of course [na-e-enjoy 'yung matchup] Ngayon natsa-challenge akong bantayan siya, na iskoran siya, kasi si Kuya Terrence, idol ko siya since birth.”
[ALSO READ: RJ Abarrientos relishes match-up vs idol, fellow FEU alum Terrence Romeo]
And now, only four wins separate Abarrientos from his first PBA title but Brgy. Ginebra are expected to get their hands full against do-it-all import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and TNT in a Governors’ Cup Finals rematch.
Game 1 of their best-of-seven title series is set to kick off on Sunday, October 27 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
[ALSO READ: TNT, Ginebra set for PBA Governors' Cup Finals rematch | PBA schedule]