RJ Abarrientos faces an uncertain future at the end of his high school career with Far Eastern University, but he's trusting the process.
"Di ko pa alam kung ano ang mangyayari, pero kung anong ibigay sa akin na opportunity, ready lang ako," he said on Friday a 90-82 Final Four defeat to twice-to-beat Ateneo ended the Baby Tamaraws' campaign in UAAP Season 81.
Abarrientos is still in Grade 11 and has one more year to spend in senior high school, but the 19-year-old will no longer be allowed to play in the UAAP juniors tournament next year after reaching the age limit.
Despite the uncertainty of his status, the nephew of PBA legend Johnny Abarrientos said that he's prepared for whatever path he would take.
"Sa akin naman, hindi naman ako nagmamadali," he said. "Siguro nga baka mag-sit out ako. Yun ang pinaguusapan ng mga bosses eh. Kung mag-level up ako sa seniors, ready rin naman ako anytime na ipasok ako ni coach Olsen (Racela).
"Handa lang ako."
Regardless of what happens next, the six-foot guard said he is satisfied with what he has accomplished in high school, where he won one UAAP championship with the Baby Tamaraws back in Season 79.
"Wala akong pinagsisihan sa game ko at game ng team namin. Nandoon yung credit sa team ko kasi hindi kami sumuko. Para sa akin, pinakita ko yung best ko at pinakita nila yung best nila kaya nagpapasalamat pa rin ako sa kanila," he said.
Abarrientos and eight others may bid FEU-Diliman goodbye, but he has no doubt that a rejigged team will carry the fight next season.
"Sinabi ko sa kanila, wag kayong mawawalan ng kumpyansa. Hawak niyo pa rin yung opportunity. Nasa inyo pa rin kung paano kayo magi-improve araw-araw," he said.
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