December 22, 2024

RJ Abarrientos admits there's more to learn after getting schooled by idol Jayson Castro

RJ Abarrientos admits there
RJ Abarrientos crosses paths on the court with his idol Jayson Castro for the first time in Game 1 of the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup Finals on Sunday, Oct. 27. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports

“Marami pang kakaining bigas.”

This was how Ginebra prized rookie RJ Abarrientos described his fist encounter with his idol, TNT veteran Jayson Castro.

Abarrientos was left in awe after the Tropang Giga star edged him out in their first match up in the PBA, more evidently in the third period of TNT's 104-88 Game 1 win over Ginebra in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup Finals on Sunday, Oct. 27.

 

Jayson Castro displays veteran leadership in TNT's series opener against RJ Abarrientos and the rest of Brgy. Ginebra in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup Finals on Sunday, Oct. 27. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports

 "Ipinakita ni Kuya Jayson kung sino talaga 'yung Jayson Castro na iniidolo ko. Nakita ninyo naman kung paano ako atakehin kanina,” said the third overall pick in this year’s draft.

On most occasions in the third canto, Castro exploited his advantage over the young guard. The two-time best point guard in Asia dropped 12 of his 14 points in the said quarter.

Abarrientos, on the other hand, struggled offensively, finishing with only five points on a 2-for-7 shooting clip. He also had three rebounds and an assist.

[ALSO READ: Rey Nambatac delivers in the big stage as TNT comes up with Game 1 win over Ginebra]

But there is gain in defeat for Abarrientos.

[ALSO READ: 'Father figure': Ginebra rookie RJ Abarrientos explains why he idolizes LeBron James]

 The nephew of league great Johnny Abarrientos said he has learned a lot from the matchup and hopes to turn things around in Game 2 on Wednesday, Oct. 30.

"'Yung pacing (of Castro). 'Yung bagal-bilis niya. Saka kung paano niya nagagawa 'yun sa age niya,” said Abarrientos.

“Marami pang kulang. Nakikita ko naman 'yung Jayson Castro na kailangang higitan or kailangang tapatan ng isang RJ. Sobrang thankful akong nakalaban ko siya dito pa sa finals.”

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