After impressive stints in the KBL and Japan B.League, RJ Abarrientos shared the challenges of playing abroad and the differences between those leagues and the PBA.
Even before playing in the PBA, RJ Abarrientos made waves in international basketball, specifically in Korea and Japan.
After a standout stint in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) and Japan B.League, Abarrientos returned to the Philippines and is now embracing the challenges of playing in the PBA.
In a recent Reddit Ask Me Anything (AMA) session, the 3rd overall pick in the 2024 PBA Draft shared his thoughts on the differences between the two leagues and his experiences teaming up with Barangay Ginebra’s superstars Scottie Thompson and Justin Brownlee.
For Abarrientos, adjusting to life and basketball in South Korea was no easy feat. He emphasized the challenges of being far from home and family, which added to the pressure of competing in a foreign league.
"It's really tough playing overseas because you're far from your family, and the playing style in other countries is really different from the PBA," the former KBL Rookie of the Year explained.
In his lone year in South Korea, Abarrientos averaged 13.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.4 steals, becoming a vital piece for the Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus team that finished fourth with a 34-20 win-loss record.
However, one major contrast the former Far Eastern University standout pointed out is the presence of two imports playing together in the KBL, a rule that significantly impacts team strategies and game flow.
"In Korea, they have two imports that can play together, which makes the pace and physicality different. Here in the PBA, there's only one import allowed per team, which changes the way teams approach the game," Abarrientos explained.
Aside from adjusting to the nuances of different leagues, the Ginebra rookie also spoke about the privilege of playing alongside Thompson and Brownlee.
"It's an honor to play alongside JB and Scottie,” Abarrientos shared.
“Kuya Scottie is a unique player—his energy is contagious, and the team really comes alive when he's on the floor. It's hard to compare him to other players because he's truly one of a kind in his role as a guard," he added.
As for Brownlee, the admiration runs even deeper.
"JB, I don't need to explain much—he's one of the best imports to ever play in the PBA. He's the GOAT for me," RJ declared.
[ALSO READ: Ginebra rookie RJ Abarrientos credits Justin Brownlee in first PBA Finals appearance]
The opportunity to team up with such decorated players has been a learning experience for the young point guard, helping him grow in his game and his leadership on the court.
Despite the challenges of playing abroad and the differences in competition, Abarrientos' versatility and skill have allowed him to succeed in both the KBL and PBA.
His adaptability to varying playing styles and ability to quickly form chemistry with his teammates have made him a valuable asset right away for the Gin Kings.
Looking ahead, Abarrientos remains focused on developing his game, eager to help Ginebra reclaim the Governors’ Cup crown against the TNT Tropang Giga.
[ALSO READ: Can RJ Abarrientos be PBA ROY? Comparing his early numbers with his KBL and B.LEAGUE stats]
Game 1 of the best-of-seven final series will begin on Sunday, October 27, at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.