By NIKOLE JAVIER
After a couple of one-and-done stints, upcoming PBA draftee RJ Abarrientos is looking forward to experiencing the professional local basketball scene.
The 24-year-old guard has opted to spend more time with his family two years after cutting his collegiate career short in the UAAP to play abroad.
After only one season, Abarrientos decided to leave Far Eastern University and became the second Filipino to play in the Korean Basketball League with Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus after SJ Belangel signed with Daegu KOGAS Pegasus.
It didn’t take long for Abarrientos to stamp his class in the Korean league as he was named Rookie of the Year following an impressive debut.
However, Abarrientos mutually cut ties with his debuting club team and moved to Japan B. League to join the Shinshu Brave Warriors, terminating two remaining years of their contract.
“I decided to be drafted ngayong Season 49 ng PBA. Gusto kong mag-spend ng time more with family saka gusto ko rin makita ‘yung sarili ko maglaro sa sarili nating bansa,” said Abarrientos in an interview posted by Strong Group Athletics on Instagram.
After three consecutive one-and-done stints, Abarrientos is looking at a meaningful opportunity to showcase his experience and talent in the PBA where his fellow Filipino imports Dave Ildefonso and Caelan Tiongson also declared themselves available for.
Though Abarrientos is poised to become a highly-valuable prospect in the PBA, the young guard is still bent on suiting up for neighboring leagues once he sees fit.
“Pero hoping pa rin naman maglaro sa ibang bansa kasi meron pa rin namang mga offers and initiation from them,” he said.
Right now, Abarrientos is focused on fulfilling his duty with Strong Group-Pilipinas in the 43rd William Jones Cup and is set to miss the draft day on July 14 as the squad will be flying out to Taiwan two days prior.
