RHENZ Abando is set to heed the call of duty for the Philippines — not once but twice, within the next month.
Abando will return for another stint with Strong Group-Pilipinas ahead of their William Jones Cup title defense from July 12 to 20 in Taiwan.
Two weeks later, the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup will follow suit from August 5 to 17 in Saudi Arabia where the newly-recalled SGA playmaker was tapped by Gilas as one of four new additions along with Zavier Lucero, RJ Abarrientos and Troy Rosario.
READ Abando, Lucero, RJ, Troy added to Gilas pool for Fiba Asia Cup
Even with hardly any time to rest between both competitions, Abando asserted that it was a no-brainer for him to accept the Gilas call-up shortly after being brought back by SGA.
“Hindi ko na pag-dedesisyunan ‘yun. Gilas ‘yan eh,” Abando said. “Hindi naman nasagasaan ‘yung sa Gilas. Naging open naman sila na alam naman nilang nandito naman ako.”
It was Gilas deputy coach Richard del Rosario who reached out to him about the call-up. And despite his now-busier schedule, saying yes to Gilas was a no-brainer for Abando.
“Kinausap naman ako ni coach Richard [del Rosario], tinanong niya rin kung kailan balik namin. Sabi nila, tatawagan daw nila ako kung need na nila ako du’n sa practice after SGA,” Abando said.
“Sa Gilas, sobrang happy ako kasi naging part ulit ako ng Gilas pool. Sana ‘pag na-lineup ko, gagawin ko lahat.”
Another thing Strong Group-Pilipinas and Gilas will have in common apart from having Abando onboard is the same first opponent.
Both Philippine teams will first face Chinese-Taipei in their respective tournament openers.
Is there any concerns for Abando on being closely scouted in the Jones Cup just before the Fiba Asia Cup? Not even in the slightest.
“Hindi ‘yan, wala naman silang pakialam sa’kin,” Abando said in jest.
“Kaya ‘yun. Hindi magiging madali pero feeling ko kaya naman. Nakalaro na namin sila [Chinese Taipei] last time, paano pa kaya ‘pag ‘yung Gilas team na?”
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