WHEN it comes to learning, RJ Abarrientos believes he’s in the perfect place to grow, surrounded by seasoned players at Barangay Ginebra.
In just his first season, he has imbibed the team’s strong culture and discipline, learning from the likes of LA Tenorio, Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, Justin Brownlee, and recently, Joe DeVance, while receiving valuable guidance from coach Tim Cone.
Despite his wide overseas experience, the former Japan B.League and Korean Basketball League import has come to realize there is much more to learn about becoming a well-rounded athlete, and he’s grateful to be doing so with the Gin Kings.
Best seat in the house
“Sobrang laking bagay as a rookie na nandito ako sa Ginebra, unang-una ‘yung advice ni tito [Johnny Abarrientos] on and off the court, tapos ‘yung guidance nila kuya LA, alam ko na para sa ikatatagal ng career ko, kailangan maging good listener ako,” Abarrientos told SPIN.ph.
Observing the way his teammates respond to crucial situations, RJ just gets hungrier each time, maximizing the process of the learning curve.
“Marami pa akong kailangan matutunan, katulad 'yung sa Game Two [against San Miguel], kailangan ko pala matutunan kumalma, evaluate ko lang sarili ko, then move on and do better sa next games,” he said.
The 2023 KBL Rookie of the Year has no problem sharing the limelight with his kuyas; Ginebra made him realize he can’t do it all.
Rookie Things
“Ginagawa ko role ko as a rookie, hindi ako nakikipag-compete sa star players, humihingi ako ng guidance sa kanila. Comfortable and happy ako sa nilalaro ko, sa position ko sa team ngayon, maraming room to grow,” he said.
And he’s talking years of Ginebra schooling.
“For sure I see myself growing old dito, sana, alam kong tatagal ako dito kasi marami pa akong matututunan,” he said.
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