BARANGAY Ginebra rookie RJ Abarrientos is learning a ton just being around the team’s veterans particularly LA Tenorio ahead of his first season in the PBA.
The former Far Eastern University guard said he is relishing being part of a team that he can learn from with the presence of veterans that wants nothing but winning and contending for championships.
“Really enjoyed playing with them lalo na sa veterans like Kuya LA and Kuya Scottie [Thompson]," he said. "I’m looking forward na mas makilala pa sila.”
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Hopes are high for Abarrientos to make an instant impact with the Gin Kings being the No. 3 pick in the recent PBA draft following his stints overseas in Japan and Korea, and he is definitely learning from the best.
One of the players that have been by the side of the 24-year-old Abarrientos is Tenorio, a 17-year PBA veteran who is guiding the rookie on how to be a point guard under the system of Ginebra coach Tim Cone.
“Shinare niya ‘yung expectation ni coach Tim sa isang point guard, paano mo mabitbit ‘yung sarili mo as a point guard and paano mo mashe-share ‘yun sa ibang players na ganun ang vision niya sa team.
“‘Yun ‘yung nakaka-overwhelm na makasama ko si Kuya LA na ilang years na siya naglalaro sa PBA. Almost nakalaban na yata niya si Tito (Johnny Abarrientos). ‘Yun ‘yung masarap na feeling na makasama ko si Kuya LA,” said Abarrientos.
Abarrientos said the veteran guidance is crucial as he turns a new chapter in his basketball career after two-year foray overseas.
“Siguro sa nilalaro ko sa career ko, simula college and then nagpunta ako international, Korea, Japan, iba ‘yung feeling na may (maririnig) ka sa likod, may mag-gaguide sa 'yo, may hahatak sayo na eto gawin mo, eto ‘yung best for you, eto ‘yung puwede mong ma-improve as a player and as a rookie,” said Abarrientos.
“Sobrang excited nga ako na makasama sila and hopefully, mas better pa maging bonding namin as a team,” said Abarrientos.
Abarrientos already showed a glimpse of what he can do for Barangay Ginebra during its recent exhibition game in Macau where the rookie scored 20 points including a clutch three in a win over the New Taipei Kings.
RJ is clutch
So far, Abarrientos still thinks he has a lot to improve on, but admitted he takes pride in being able to deliver in the clutch in his young career.
“For me, kailangan ko lang i-work on ‘yung kung ano man ‘yung kailangan ko i-work on this season at ngayong offseason pa, marami pang time para mapakita ko sa sarili ko na ‘yun ‘yung kailangan ko mapakita,” he said.
With all his experience, this rookie, afterall, isn't really a rookie, right?
“Siguro as a rookie, sa experience ko, ‘yun ‘yung puwede kong maitulong sa team talaga,” said Abarrientos, referring to his willingness to perform in the clutch. “’Yung kumpiyansa ko, the way i-lead ko ‘yung teammates ko, siguro ‘yun ‘yung RJ na ‘yun ang madadala ko sa Ginebra.”
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