RJ ABARRIENTOS did not waste time making his making his mark in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) with Ulsan Hyundai Mobis.
Unknown to many, a former PBA import has been quietly helping him in the transition.
Vernon Macklin, a Georgetown product who became popular in the Philippines for his stint with Ginebra in 2013, has seen Abarrientos' growth in Korea in his role as assistant coach of Ulsan.
He is ni doubt impressed.
[READ: Ginebra fans clamor for Macklin return]
“He has a great potential already at a young age, nice IQ for the game, and always working, and focused on getting better each day,” Macklin told SPIN.ph. “Nothing but a pleasure coaching [him] this season, young fella has a bright future ahead.”
Just last Sunday, the 23-year-old former FEU Tamaraws star tallied 12 points, three rebounds, and a steal in a victory over Daegu KOGAS Pegasus that hiked Ulsan's season record to 15-9 win-loss.
Like RJ, Macklin, who also played for Ginebra's archrival Magnolia, is in his ‘rookie’ season in coaching, and he’s glad to have come across RJ.
“This is my first year as a coach, [it’s not] much of a mentorship just more so explaining what it’s like to be a professional, and the game plan our head coach wants for him,” he shared of how he guides Abarrientos.
Having been with Abarrientos since August, Macklin said he's impressed the most by the work ethic of the young guard.
“I enjoy how hard he works and the way he is with his teammates. [He] is great, everyone loves him, and we focus a lot on defense … Playing together on the offensive end, he helps guys get open shots with his playmaking ability,” Macklin said.
As for Macklin, he's also settling well into a coaching career.
“As far as a team coach in the long run, who knows? But right now, I’m going to try and be the best assistant coach I can be for Hyundai Mobis.”
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