STRONG Group-Pilipinas has added Rhenz Abando to its team for the 43rd William Jones Cup, set from July 13 to 21 in Taipei.
Abando, 26, is currently a free agent after opting not to renew his contract with Korean Basketball League club Anyang Jung Kwan Jang.
The explosive 6-foot-2 winger from Santo Tomas, La Union, is the latest signing of a Strong Group team that previously signed fellow Gilas alums Ange Kouame, RJ Abarrientos, Jordan Heading and Kiefer Ravena.
READ How Chris Ross helped Strong Group land McCullough for Jones Cup
Also part of the Jones Cup roster are Caelan Tiongson, and Chris McCullough.
“More on excited ako makapaglaro for Strong Group kasi nung nasa Korea ako, pinapanood ko yung games nila sa Dubai,” said Abando, who averaged 9.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists last season in the KBL.
SGA coach Charles Tiu, also the head coach of the St. Benilde Blazers in the NCAA, expressed his enthusiasm about coaching Abando.
“I’m happy to have the opportunity to finally coach Rhenz. I’ve coached against him in the past, and I think he’s a great player,” said Tiu.
“He gives us a lot of athleticism and firepower.”
The talented winger is particularly excited about reuniting with friends Abarrientos and Kouame as well as playing alongside one of his mentors in Ravena.
“Makakasama ko na naman ang mga repa kaya siguradong maraming kulitan ‘to on and off the court,” said Abando.
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