REPRESENTATION is one thing, but keeping it going is another.
As Japan B.League continues its Asian Players Quota program, Filipinos remain among the top options as reinforcements to help elevate the fledgling league's level of play.
At the same time that Japan keeps acquiring overseas talent to boost a fast-growing sport, it also gives players coming out of college in the Philippines another pathway.
That's why for Filipinos who already made it overseas, the challenge is to keep proving they are worthy of the investment.
"For us, we have to keep working hard. Ako, sa role ko as a point guard, hindi lang skills ang ini-improve, pati outside the court, communication with coaches and other players," RJ Abarrientos told SPIN.ph.
Future Filipino imports
Abarrientos, who moved to Japan after a stint in the Korean Basketball League, added that more than taking care of their own careers, their motivation is to make sure the overseas option remains for future Filipino players.
"Sobrang big factor for the future generations. Kami ang tinitingnan eh, so for us, ito yung crucial, dapat gawin namin ang part namin mabuti para sa mga next na papasok," he explained.
"Pati din sa mga bata na gusto at nag-a-idolize sa amin, we need to show our best, so they'd play their best too kasi gusto (nilang) makapunta sa international."
Abarrientos a prime example
The former Far Eastern University star himself was once a talented youngster who followed in the footsteps of pioneering Pinoys.
It all started with a Thirdy Ravena surprise in June 2020, when he was signed as Japan's first-ever Asian import. His older brother Kiefer, Ray Parks, and Dwight Ramos, among others, soon followed suit.
While the Ravenas and Parks, as well as Kai Sotto and Matthew Wright are now in the B.League free agent pool, a transfer to a new team remains a possibility. And wherever they end up, these trailblazing Filipinos will, for sure, continue to aspire that the international doors stay open for the next generation.
READ: Ray Parks joins swelling ranks of Pinoy free agents in Japan B.League
"Overall, yung Pilipinas pa rin ang [makikinabang] at the end of the day," Abarrientos said.
As for his own status, the 24 year old said nothing is set in stone with regards to his second season for Shinshu. The contract he signed in July 2023 was a one-plus-one, meaning the Brave Warriors hold the team option.
"It has been a tough season for our team and for me individually. Hindi pa namin napag-uusapan yung next move about my contract," he added.
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