IT wasn't the end to a big 2023 that Rhenz Abando wanted as he suffered multiple injuries in reigning Korean Basketball League champion Anyang KGC's loss to Alex Cabagnot's Goyang Sono on Thursday.
LOOK:
Abando suffers concussion, spinal fractures in KBL game
A natural high-flyer on the court, Abando fell badly at the 4:24-mark of the second frame and fell flat after a mid-air collision with Goyang import Chinanu Onuaku.
As a result, the Gilas Pilipinas standout obtained a concussion, a sprained wrist, and fractures on his third and fourth lumbar vertebrae — which are among the largest bones in the human spine.
Depending on further assessments in the coming weeks, Abando, who is now recovering in a Korean hospital, won't be able to defend his KBL Slam Dunk title and is set to miss the entirety of the league's All-Star Weekend as his recovery continues.
Abando was set to compete in the 2024 dunk contest against the likes of fellow Filipino KBL import Justin Gutang.
With roughly 25 minutes of action per game in 26 outings for seventh-seeded Anyang (10-16), Abando carries a meager average statline of 9.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and one assist.
Anyang also suffered an 81-85 loss to Goyang - its fifth straight loss in the KBL.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
