KBL rookie RJ Abarrientos is flying high in Korea after winning the Korean Basketball League’s Rookie of the Year award on Thursday.
The former FEU product was thankful for the recognition during the ceremony. He said during the ceremony that he loves playing in Korea and is grateful for the support he received from the fans. He also thanked his teammates for their support during his first year there.
Players enthusiastically cheered him on as he walked to the stage to claim his award. Among those cheering for him were SJ Belangel and Rhenz Abando, other collegiate standouts who chose to play in Korea.
“Thank you to my coaches, especially my Mobis team, to all my teammates for helping me get through a lot on and off the court,” the 23-year-old said.
🚨The player who won the 2022-23 KBL Rookie of the Year award is 🇵🇭RJ Abarrientos!!
I offer you my wholehearted congratulations.#KBL #RJAbarrientos pic.twitter.com/ZaV8R2nbnY
— 알럽바스켓공 (@baekpd1983) March 30, 2023
During his rookie campaign, RJ Abarrientos provided a great spark for Mobis Phoebus, averaging 13.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.4 steals in 50 games.
OkBet fans will continue to watch his journey in the Korean basketball scene with great interest. While it’s a miss that he’s not playing for the PBA, his outstanding achievement in the KBL showcases his value as a basketball talent.
Abando, Anyang Win KBL Regular Season
While Abando couldn’t compete for the KBL’s top rookie honors, he was a solid contributor to Anyang KGC’s KBL regular-season victory.
His team secured its second title after a narrow, albeit meaningless, 76-71 triumph over Wonjuy DB Promy at Anyang Gymnasium. The former UST Growling Tiger and Letran Knight was a solid performer off the bench, scoring eight points on 3-of-5 shooting in only 11 minutes of play.
Anyang secured the top spot before the game, so the game became a formality before the awarding ceremony.
The Santo Tomas, La Union cager was a terrific pickup for Anyang. He provided 9.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 0.9 blocks in 38 appearances.
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