KOREAN Basketball League star import Rhenz Abando will no longer be suiting up for the Jung Kwang Jang Red Boosters for the next season.
The high-flyer from La Union bid goodbye to his KBL team in a post on his social media pages on Thursday.
“It was a great two-year ride. It was like a roller-coaster ride with a lot of ups and downs. But nonetheless, I learned a lot. Until we meet again,” Abando said. “Your JKJ Redbooster No. 12, now signing off.”
READ: Abando dilemma: KBL or B.League?
Abando spent a total of 23 months in Korea since he was signed by Anyang KGC in June 28, 2022 to a cotract worth P13.89-million, making him the highest paid Asian import in the league.
The 26-year old had an impressive rookie season in the KBL that saw Anyang win the KBL championship along with the EASL Champions Week – in both instances beating rival Seoul SK Knights.
However, his sophomore year in the KBL was marred by a horror fall after in a game against Goyang Sono following a mid-air collision with former PBA import Chinanu Onuaku.
Abando has yet to make a decision on his future, although his agent Marvin Espiritu bared he has a number of suitors both from the KBL and Japan's B.League.
Abando said he has nothing but gratitude for Anyang and everyone who made his stay in Korea a pleasant one.
“Thank you for giving me the chance to let me showcase my talent and passion for the game. Thank you for trusting me. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for you and not because of the opportunity that you’ve given me, I would not receive this kind of respect that I experience nowadays.”
“And to my trainers, translators and teammates, who have become my family for the past two years, I am grateful to all of you and I cherish every moment with all of you. I am thankful for all the learning that you’ve instilled in me, not only on the court, but most importantly, off the court,” he said.
Just last week, Abando was seen watching the UAAP season 86 women’s volleyball finals between National University and his former school, University of Santo Tomas, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
