Rhenz Abando gets dream shot at playing in Fiba World Cup
There’s no way for Rhenz Abando to lose as he can learn from Gilas veterans. —FIBA.COM
Fresh from his first pro stint in South Korea, Rhenz Abando’s plan for the off-season was to simply hole up in his home and rest his basketball-weary frame.
But all of that is now out the window following a Gilas Pilipinas call-up that could put him on the national roster that will play on basketball’s grandest stage, against the best players in the globe, in the Fiba (International Basketball Federation) World Cup this August.
That’s why it’s quite understandable that he doesn’t mind a bit.
“I was surprised,” he said during one of Gilas’ practices at Meralco Gym in Pasig City. “I was really not expecting to be included in [the pool]. I’ve got nothing lined up—not even training—because I’m on vacation now. So I really thought that I won’t be called up.”
“But I’m glad,” the former Letran ace said. “This should be a great opportunity for me, a nice experience [to go through].”
Abando is one of the 21 names from which the Gilas brain trust will build the squad that will compete in the global showcase a little over two months from now.
Big despite playing limited minutes for Gilas in the Asia Cup and a pair of games during the World Cup Qualifiers, Abando said he is eager to soak up lessons from the likes of World Cup veteran Kiefer Ravena and Philippine Basketball Association Most Valuable Player Scottie Thompson.
Learning, after all, is the best Abando could do, especially with his shoulder still hurting from an injury he sustained during his club Anyang KGC’s championship run in the Korean Basketball League.
“To be honest, I’m still out of shape. I’m still trying to catch up [with everyone],” he said. “I’ve been careless.”
Europe-ready
Abando said he is trying to have his rehabilitation fast-tracked by going to a strength and conditioning program of his own on top of the one that is provided by Gilas.
Barring any mishaps, he should be back in optimal shape just before Gilas goes on a European tour that would test its mettle against the national teams of Estonia, Latvia and Finland and against pro clubs from Lithuania.
National coach Chot Reyes said he has made Abando and AJ Edu’s assimilation to Gilas his coaching staff’s priority in this leg of the build-up for the World Cup.
And Abando, one of the youngest players in the bunch, is planning to make the most out of that chance.
“I feel like if I’m just given enough time to get my conditioning back, I’ll be ready [for whatever],” said the high-leaping swingman from La Union.
Abando and Gilas Pilipinas are currently at Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna and are expected to train and bond there until June 20. They leave for Estonia on June 22.
