By REYNALD MAGALLON
Even after a successful first year as a professional player that saw him win titles in the East Asia Super League and Korean Basketball League, the Gilas Pilipinas call up actually came as a surprise for Rhenz Abando.
The high-flying forward thought he would be spending the KBL off-season on some luxurious resorts where he could relax and enjoy after a tough grind as rookie pro.
Little did he know that there would be an opportunity coming that is hard to pass up.
Being named as one of the national pool members who will play in the biggest basketball competition – the 2023 FIBA World Cup – was the biggest surprise thus far to a flourishing pro career. .
“Nagulat ako kasi di ko rin inexpect na mapapasama ako dito,” said Abando after the team’s Monday practice at the Meralco Gym.
“Wala rin ako masyadong galaw pa na mga training ganun kasi akala ko bakasyon lang din ako nakakagulat din akala ko di ako mapapasama dito,” added the former Letran standout.
Joining Gilas Pilipinas was far-fetched in Abando’s mind that he rues being out of shape when the opportunity to serve the flag and country presented itself.
Abando confessed that he was actually rehabbing a shoulder injury he sustained during the Finals of KBL.
“Nagrerehab ako ngayon kasi may shoulder injury ako. Naipipraktis ko naman kasi nararamdaman ko yung sakit,” he admitted adding that there’ll be no one to blame but himself if he happened to miss the great opportunity
“Nagpabaya ako sa sarili ko so kung anong mangyari dito, di ako mapasama, lahat ng sisi sa sarili ko kasi di ako naging ready,” he added.
Although ready to put in the work to regain his top form and vie for a spot in the final 12, Abando said it was a lesson learned for him and to be prepared for any eventuality next time.
“Dapat ready ka lang lagi kasi di mo alam anong mangyayari bukas dapat ready ka, to be honest ngayon di ako ready kasi out of shape ako, naghahabol ako sa sarili ko.”
