Rabeh Al-Hussaini grateful for another chance at Blackwater after going AWOL

Rabeh Al Hussaini returns. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—It took some time but Rabeh Al-Hussaini is finally back in a Blackwater jersey in the PBA Philippine Cup.

Al-Hussaini went off the Elite’s radar without a word a few weeks before the start of the 2019-2020 season but the beleaguered big man is now again ready to help the team.

In his return, the Elite also snapped their four-game skid holding off Columbian 106-100 to get to a 2-6 record Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.

READ: Elite will not tolerate Rabeh Al-Hussaini’s absence from team

Al-Hussaini was grateful for Blackwater head coach Bong Ramos for accepting him back to Elite despite the problems he caused during the offseason.

“I’m really thankful to coach Bong because he gave me another shot, regardless of what happened in my personal life,” said Al-Hussaini in Filipino.

Al-Hussaini was also a vital piece in the team’s win scoring 11 points with four rebounds.

The 6-foot-7 big man said he went into the game against the Dyip with a positive mindset.

“I guess I have a different approach, because this is different from before I left,” said Al-Hussaini. “I changed everything, even the small changes counted because I see things differently now.”