AS he watched a next generation family member receive a PBA Best Player of the Conference award, legendary guard Johnny Abarrientos can’t help but be amazed at how far his nephew RJ had come in his pro career in so short a time.
With that, the now-Barangay Ginebra deputy coach is all the more convinced the younger Abarrientos is bound to get even better.
Better than his uncle, even.
“Mas malayo ang mararating nito,” he shared with SPIN.ph while watching the 26-year-old guard hoist his very first BPC plaque in just his fifth conference.
READ: Abarrientos is Best Player of Conference; Brownlee named best import
Asked if he thinks RJ is capable of surpassing what he had achieved in Asia’s pioneering pro league, the ‘Flying A’ didn’t hesitate to reply in the affirmative.
“Tingin ko,” was the elder Abarrientos’ curt reply.
Here's Johnny. Here's RJ.
Of course, the now 55-year-old Johnny was one of the greatest guards to ever play in the Philippines, winning a total of 12 championships. including a 1996 Grand Slam when he was also hailed MVP.
Abarrientos also won two BPC awards in the 1996 and 1997 Commissioner’s Cups and two Finals MVP plums, as well as six Mythical First team, five All-Defensive Team, and seven All-Star selections. Hands down, he is one of the PBA's 50 Greatest Players of all time.
For now, his nephew only has Rookie of the Year and BPC in his hardware collection.
Still, Johnny is adamant RJ is well on his way reaching greater heights.
“Willing kasi siyang matuto and very humble,” the uncle said of his nephew.
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