UST young standout Rhenz Abando. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Rhenz Abando has cleared the air surrounding the recruitment brouhaha that had caused uproar among fans, saying he’s firmly committed with University of Santo Tomas.
The league’s rising star said that he has rejected any offers extended to him by other schools even before the start of the season and he intends to stay with the Tigers.
“I’m committed to UST and I didn’t say that I will leave,” Abando told Inquirer in Filipino Friday at UST’s Quadricentennial Pavilion. “I’ve rejected the offers a long time ago.”
Abando was put in the spotlight after he was benched in UST’s 84-78 win over University of the Philippines despite being one of the Growling Tigers’ most productive players this season.
Abando has put up 11.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.1 assist, and 1.3 blocks so far for UST and his absence struck a curious chord with the UAAP community.
Reports swirled that rival schools tried to pry away Abando from UST midway through the season but the forward from La Union said he chose to sit out the game so he won’t be a distraction to his teammates.
“There was just a misunderstanding regarding the issue, but I never planned on leaving UST,” said Abando. “I sat the game out because my mind was clouded with so much stuff.”
“I won’t be able to help the team properly so I chose to not play.”