By REYNALD MAGALLON
It felt like FIBA World Cup all over again for Rhenz Abando.
The Cebuano support inside the Hoops Dome reminded the Anyang Red Boosters import of the festive atmosphere when he campaigned for Gilas Pilipinas during the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila.
“Actually when they started screaming my name, I felt like I’m playing in the World Cup again. That’s the first thing I remember when I entered the arena,” said Abando after Anyang’s 94-75 loss to Seoul SK Knights in the semifinals of the East Asia Super League Final Four.
Abando was so appreciative and grateful of the Cebuano’s support that he regretted failing to put on a show during the contest due to a nagging back injury.
The Filipino high-flyer though still finished with 11 points, three rebounds and a block – enough to give the Cebuano faithful something to cheer on.
“Sobrang happy at the same time disappointed kasi I’m not healthy. More on masaya sobrang blessed din kasi they supported us even though we didn’t get the win,” he added.
Abando was actually questionable heading into the semifinal game after aggravating the back injury he sustained last December and sidelined him for two months.
While he managed to play 20 minutes in just his second game back from the injury, Anyang head coach Sang Shik Kim said the team is still taking a cautious approach in handling Abando’s injury.
“I knew it was a tough situation for Rhenz. I know that he’s not hundred percent and I know that he wanted to play in front of his own crowd as well,” said Kim through an interpreter.
“We’ll try to communicate with Rhenz, if his injury is all checked out I will play Rhenz a little bit more but the top of the list is Rhenz’s health ,so we are not gonna force him to play on Sunday,” he added.
