Basketball

Ginebra's new budding star RJ Aabranititos is starting his PBA season on a high note as he excels in Season 49 Governor’s Cup. In this exciting new team, Abarrientos is a young player who was able to play on one of the most popular Philippine basketball teams and, most importantly, gain experience from years of playing in South Korea and Japan, where he saw many different forms of basketball.
Before entering PBA, Abarrientos joined various international leagues that made him among the buzzed newcomers. He decided to go to KBL in the early part of his professional basketball career when he could have spent his last year at Far Eastern University (FEU) before being signed by Ulsan Hyundai Mobis and for sure those times abroad added even more wisdom to his life.

RJ Abarrientos: Maraming gunners sa team. Kailangan maging balanse para makatulong sa team | @spinph pic.twitter.com/QHOnYZn2jq

— Reuben Terrado (@reubensports) October 24, 2024

Rising from the KBL to Japan’s B.League: The Story of RJ Abarrientos

Abarrientos at Hyundai Mobis in South Korea averaging 13.3 points, 4.8 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. He was named the Rookie Player of the Year after his first season. Describing his KBL experience, Abarrientos pointed to the fast pace of Korean basketball saying that the games he played needed constant energy bursts and that the KBL was different in that teams could sign two imports at any time. It changed everything, the overall tempo, physical approach, and tactics, which was an entirely different experience for him having come from the Philippines.

Having played in Korea, Abarrientos was signed to play in Japan for Shinshu Brave Warriors in the 2023 B.League. Although he started well he did not spend a long time in Japan’s team for the main team was relegated to the junior league, thus he was let off. His scoring average was 7.8 average while averaging 2.4 in assists and 1.7 in rebounds in 49 appearances. He also not only developed as a basketball player in Japan but it also prompted him to go back to the Philippines and reintegrate with his family.

Adapting to the PBA’s playing style

It is also very notable that during his AMA session on Reddit, Abarrientos did not hide from society the fact that adjustment to the PBA’s different style of play and the beef on the court was very challenging for him. For Abarrientos, one great thing about the PBA is the league’s scheme that only teams have one import where the games differ and the approach changes especially for those who are used to the KBL where the game tends to be faster and physical at times.

In Abarrientos' own words: “New to playing overseas is very challenging indeed, because you are so far away from your families, plus you play a very different brand of basketball from that in PBA.” They have two imports that are capable of playing together in Korea and thus the difference in pace and physical. As it is in the PBA, only one import is allowed per team and it alters the flow of the game.”

Adapting to the PBA’s style of play of course took some time but he regards that as a plus. He also thanked Ginebra for accepting him being part of the team and being able to play with mature players like Scottie Thompson and Justin Brownlee.

Playing with Legends: Having Scottie Thompson and Justin Brownlee on the team

Now that he is a member of Barangay Ginebra, Abarrientos is with some of the most respected players in the league like Scottie Thompson and Justin Brownlee. This has been a humbling ground for Abarrientos, who expressed that there is learning always throughout.

He was also speaking more of his teammates during the AMA session saying, “It is quite a privilege to play alongside Scottie Thompson and Justin Brownlee. Kuya Scottie is very different – he brings a lot of enthusiasm when he plays, and people become more spirited when he is around. There is not much to compare him with other players since he is unique in his position as a guard. JB, I don’t need to say much—he is one of the best imports on PBA perhaps one of the greatest of all time. He is the GOAT for me.”

Undoubtedly the guidance of these players has helped boost the confidence of Abarrientos thus contributing to the fast learning process of the lad that is equally translating into so many years of experience in the PBA.

Performances at the Governor’s Cup and Other Craps

In the Governor’s Cup, Abarrientos has not made a sluggish start in asserting himself as a contender. He received the PBA Press Corps-Pilipinas Live Player of the Week award for October 16 to 20 after his standout performance in the semifinals against the San Miguel Beermen. It testifies to his tenacity and willingness to shine, particularly in specific key confrontations and statistics provide evidence.

Abarrientos has taken it up to challenges posed by the Barangay Ginebra management as well as the team’s mentor and head coach Tim Cone. His early performance with Ginebra has not only paid off the hope of trust in him by his team but also tagged him as a player worth watching. As the Finals come closer Abarrientos is looking forward to maintaining this pace, and at last, achieving his first PBA crown.

PBA Finals Showdown:  Ginebra San Miguel: Barangay Ginebra vs TNT Tropang Giga

Online is the epitome of a championship-caliber battle as Barangay Ginebra faces TNT Tropang Giga in Game 1 of the PBA Season 49 Governor’s Cup Finals. The game will take place on Sunday 27 October at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. The fans should expect a hard-fought battle in this game because both teams demonstrated good fighting spirit all through the season. Abarrientos is also focusing on delivering his best performance on the court eyeing his team to seize the opening game on the Finals.

Since Abarrientos leads Ginebra's young crew of players, its fans anticipate that the rookie will etch his mark this series thus creating another chapter of his playing career.

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OKBet is Asia’s favorite and most reliable sports gaming site where fans can stay updated with their favorite teams and sports news from across the world. If one is placing his money on a team like Ginebra and hoping for a win or focusing on Abarrientos’ highlights during the game, OKBet makes the viewer experience more engaging every single match.

A Rookie to Watch

With RJ Abarrientos entering the PBA, he moves from the KBL and the Japan B.League to playing in the Filipino basketball scene when he plays for TnT Katipunan. Fans can only hope to see him make a huge difference in the Finals as he further develops as a basketball player. For those who wish to, in a way, join and be part of the season OKBet offers a fun way to be involved in every game, to enjoy it, and to have fun and memorable experiences in Philippine basketball.