Ginebra prized rookie RJ Abarrientos gains the Player of the Game nod as Ginebra went 2-0 against Phoenix in the PBA Commissioner's Cup last Friday.
RJ Abarrientos has made it his mission to be the energizer Ginebra needs off the bench.
The Gin Kings prized rookie was exactly that on Friday night, Dec. 13.
The nephew of PBA great Johnny Abarrientos finished with 12 points, five rebounds and six assists in Ginebra’s 94-72 win over Phoenix in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.
RJ Abarrientos | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
As Ginebra sustained its fine play in the mid-season conference with its second straight win in as many games, Abarrientos feels the need to be the one to energize the team whenever his number is called so the lead guards can take a much-needed rest on the bench knowing someone can get the job done.
[WATCH: RJ Abarrientos shines as Ginebra clamps down on defense against Phoenix | PBA Highlights]
“Siguro, I need to be consistent lang coming from the bench because nakita ninyo naman yung lineup namin, sobrang intact na both offense and defense,” said Abarrientos after the match at the Ninoy Aquno Stadium in Malate.
“So, for me, 'yung crucial sa team namin is 'yung energizer na pagpasok, gagawin 'yung best part para makapagpahinga yung mga guards namin like Kuya Scottie (Thompson), like JB (Justin Brownlee), 'yung mga ganoong players.”
[ALSO READ: RJ Abarrientos' takeaway from first PBA Finals: 'I need to be consistent']
The spitfire guard has what it takes to be the spark off the bench for Ginebra. But he needs to do that on a regular basis.
Bringing with him his learnings from his first conference in the league in the past Governor's Cup, Abarrientos is working on that.
“So, for me, 'yun lang 'yung mindset kong kailangan kong magampanan para sa team. Marami pa kaming games. Hopefully, makapag-rest kami nang maayos,” added Abarrientos.
Ginebra stakes its perfect record against Eastern on Sunday, Dec. 15, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.