SETTING the record straight, RJ Abarrientos bared his reasons for his sudden move to Japan B. League last year.
In July 2023, Abarrientos surprisingly left his Korean club, Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phebus under ‘mutual contract termination’, after a fruitful season that earned him the 2022-23 KBL Rookie of the Year honors.
Two days after, the Nagano-based Shinshu Brave Warriors announced their acquisition of the Pinoy guard.
“Hindi ko pa nasagot ‘to,” Abarrientos said. “Pero, ang reason ko, una sa lahat, is ‘yung opportunity na binigay sa akin, bigger opportunity, at ‘yun ang mas nagpa-eager sakin na i-grab ko, itong i-e-earn ko ngayon sa Japan.”
The 24-year-old said the offer was too good for him to pass on.
He also clarified that his former KBL team had agreed to his release with no further negotiation.
During his first season, Abarrientos averaged 13.6 points, 4.8 assists, and 2.9 rebounds for playoffs finisher Ulsan.
“Wala, wala kaming bad blood ng team ko sa Korea before,” he reiterated.
Abarrientos, after all, is set on advancing his career, and switching leagues was something he had seen as best for him.
Half a year into B.League, he believes he made the right choice.
“Yes it’s worth it, this is a new chapter. At the end of the day, it’s for my growth, for my family, and future,” he said.
Abarrientos averages 8.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.7 dimes in 26 games played, so far.
He added: “Individually, yung confidence ko hindi pwede mawala kasi yun talaga ang kakampi kahit saan ako mapunta.”
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