RJ Abarrientos earned the Player of the Game honors in Ginebra’s come-from-behind win against Magnolia, of which his uncle Johnny is an assistant coach.
RJ Abarrientos gained the full Ginebra experience on Christmas Day.
Abarrientos starred in his first Manila Clasico last Wednesday, displaying his never-say-die mentality by dishing out the assist to Scottie Thompson, who in turn nailed the game-winning trey to complete the Gin Kings' 95-92 come-from-behind win over Magnolia in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.
The prized rookie rallied Ginebra from 22 points down and finished with 20 points built on five three-pointers.
[WATCH: RJ Abarrientos feeds Scottie Thompson for buzzer-beating game-winner | PBA Highlights]
He wound up as the Player of the Game.
“Na-encourage kami kasi Christmas. Lahat gustong manalo sa Christmas. Lahat gustong umuwing panalo,” Abarrientos said.
“Sabi ni coach Tim (Cone), 'NSD, Never Say Die'. Kailangan naming ipakita ang best namin sa crowd. Special ito for the Ginebra team. Special din for me kasi this is my first time playing in a Manila Clasico and with my uncle pa.”
[ALSO READ: Magnolia star Mark Barroca says Ginevra rookie RJ Abarrientos is future of PBA]
The uncle he is referring to is PBA legend Johnny Abarrientos, who is an assistant coach at Magnolia.
The crafty guard from Far Eastern University said he cherishes the opportunity to go up against the elder Abarrientos.
“Ngayong nasa PBA na 'ko, bumalik ako coming from international [play], sobrang happy akong nakalaban ko si Tito. He always guides me,” the younger Abarrientos said.
“Kahit sa bahay, kahit hindi sa basketball, nandiyan siya. Very thankful akong laging nandiyan 'yung tito ko sa'kin, para sa career ko.”