RJ Abarrientos, KBL Rookie of Year, moves to Japan B.League with Shinshu

RJ Abarrientos is the latest Filipino import in the Japan B.League.

MANILA, Philippines—RJ Abarrientos has taken his talents to the Japan B.League after an impressive stint in the Korean Basketball League.

The Shinshu Brave Warriors, a B.League Division 1 team, have secured the services of the crack Filipino guard, the club announced Tuesday.

The two parties “have reached a basic agreement” on a contract for the 2023-24 season, which tips off on October 5.

“I am very excited for this new journey with Shinshu Brave Warriors and will do my best to win as many games as we can in this season. I can’t wait to play in front of our fans and see you soon!” Abarrientos said in a statement.

RJ Abarrientos. Photo from Ulsan Mobis Phoebus

The 23-year-old Abarrientos showed out in his first and only season in the KBL with the Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus.

Abarrientos averaged 13.6 points, 4.8 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 51 games and emerged as the Rookie of the Year.

He parted ways with the Mobis Phoebus after he expressed his intentions to play in another league.

“As Abarrientos requested a transfer to another league, we decided to retire (him) after mutual contract termination through an internal decision,” an official from Mobis Phoebus then said in a report.

The former Far Eastern University ace will boost a Shinshu side that’s coming off a 29-30 campaign last season.