By REYNALD MAGALLON
Rhenz Abando made a successful return from a spine injury in the Korean Basketball League and now he’s hopeful to do the same for Anyang in the East Asia Super League Final Four slated in Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu on the weekend.
Abando seemed to be on his fine form in his first game back after a two-months layoff due to a spine injury following a bad fall in the Red Boosters’ 85-81 loss to Goyang Sono Skygunners last December.
Incidentally, it was also against Goyang Sono where Abando made his return and immediately reintroduced himself with 17 points, four rebounds and three assists in 28 minutes of play in the 92-87 victory.
Admittedly still feeling some pain, Abando remained hopeful that he could be fit enough to play in front of the Cebuano crowd who is expected to also wildly cheer for him.
“It is currently at 85-90 percent. It’s hard to talk about pain right now – there is pain when leaning over. I hope that after sleeping for a day, the pain will go away and I can play in the EASL,” said the high-flying wing man.
Abando also took time to thank his Filipino supporters in Korea including Philippines’ Ambassador to Korea, H.E. Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega who also watched from the sidelines in his return.
“The support of the Filipino fans is a great help. The embassy people came, so I think I’m even happier that we won the game. I am happy that I was able to win on my comeback match. The team still has some room to improve, but I am happy that we won,” said Abando.
Should the 6-foot-2 guard become available, he should be a big boost to the bid of Anyang in the EASL Final Four especially that it is pitted against Korean rivals Seoul SK Knights that also featured fellow Filipino import Juan Gomez De Liano in the semifinals on Friday, March 8.
The other bracket meanwhile featured a clash between Japanese team Chiba Jets and the Jeremy Lin-led New Taipei Kings.
