RJ Abarrientos was supposed to play against Will Navarro for the coming season of the Korean Basketball League.
That won’t happen, at least for the time being, following the decision by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) not to grant a letter of clearance for Navarro to play for the Samsung Thunders.
Abarrientos expressed his disappointment that it won’t happen on his IG Story as he came to the defense of his former Gilas Pilipinas teammate.
“REALLY??? An impediment in someone’s dream?” wrote Abarrientos, who is slated to play for the Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus in the coming season. “You all should SUPPORT Filipino athletes who are playing abroad.”
LOOK:
Abarrientos is the latest player to speak out on Navarro’s situation where he will not be able to play for the Thunders this coming season as he has a live contract with Gilas Pilipinas that reportedly will last until March of next year.
Kai Sotto also spoke about the predicament of Navarro, saying that “we got our own people stopping us from achieving greatness.”
[READ: Kai fumes after SBP denies Navarro clearance to play in Korea]
The former Far Eastern University guard said that Navarro’s decision to go abroad is no different from other careers outside basketball.
Abarrientos said Navarro going abroad would eventually benefit the national team.
“Similar to any other profession, you’ll do what’s best for your career. They are choosing to play and strengthen their ability while representing our country,” said Abarrientos.
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