Rhenz Abando says road to being a KBL champion was ‘never easy’

Filipino import Rhenz Abando holds up the Korean Basketball League trophy. –RHENZ ABANDO INSTAGRAM

MANILA, Philippines—Rhenz Abando took to Instagram on Tuesday to express his emotions after winning the Korean Basketball League championship with Anyang KGC.

Anyang had to endure seven games in the Finals against the Seoul SK Knights before collecting the championship.

“From setting goals to working hard and finally reaching them. The ride is never easy but it raised me to be the Champion I envisioned myself to be,” wrote Abando, whose impact on Anyang KGC was felt beyond points.

“Made my way up this season as a Champion despite all the ups and downs, reminding myself to work hard until you are proud.”

Abando was scoreless in the 100-97 clincher but had three rebounds, two blocks, a steal and an assist for KGC.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rhenz Mamuyac Abando (@abandorhenz)

He had some silent games for Anyang the entire season, but he would come alive when needed most like in Game 6 of the best-of-seven finals where Abando had nine points and seven rebounds.

While winning a KBL title may have made the NCAA Season 97 Rookie-MVP ecstatic, it was obvious that he only looked at this as the beginning.

“Until the next one,” he concluded for his post, signaling his desire to win more in the professional league.

The KGC championship was the fourth in the team’s history in the KBL.