IT has been a difficult start to the new year for an ailing Rhenz Abando who, apart from his ongoing recovery from multiple injuries, was unable to play in front of his home crowd in Anyang Jung Kwan Jang's semis-clinching win over TNT Tropang Giga in the East Asia Super League (EASL).
Tough as his luck has been so far, Abando knows he can always rely on his ever-so supportive club led by a 'father figure' in head coach Kim Sang-shik — one who fought all the way to the Korean Basketball League's (KBL) higher-ups in Abando's defense after his collision with Goyang Sono import Chinanu Onuaku.
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Kim shared how Abando has been more than just a guest import or another player for the reigning Korean champions — because for him, he's family.
"From the last season when he first came to Korea because as a young guy and as his first experience in a foreign country, I know that it’s a tough situation for Rhenz (Abando).
"So from the start (of his KBL career with Anyang), from the head coach and from top to bottom, everybody treats Rhenz like family. And for me, especially, I take care of him like he’s my son," Kim told mediamen in Korean.
"Unfortunately, he’s injured but I know that Rhenz is going to come back strong," he added.
In his brief visit to Manila earlier this month, Abando had a chance to be with his family.
Abando also bared his goal to return to action in February but will first undergo a series of medical assessments to gauge his fitness moving forward.
And once and for all, the Gilas Pilipinas ace made it clear that the injury-causing incident with Onuaku had 'no malicious intent' and will no longer undertake any legal action.
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