Rhenz Abando back home but rues missing EASL game vs Pogoy, TNT

Rhenz Abando, middle, during an EASL media session at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Rhenz Abando lamented missing out on playing against TNT star Roger Pogoy when Anyang KGC face the Tropang Giga in the East Asia Super League (EASL) on Wednesday at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Apart from playing in front of a hometown crowd, Abando was also looking forward to matching up against Pogoy and facing TNT and its returning coach Chot Reyes. Unfortunately for the Filipino import in the KBL, that will have to wait as he continues his recovery from a spinal injury.

“At first when I found out that TNT would be in the same bracket as us, I felt so happy because that’s where I can start to prove myself to coach Chot who’s there so I need to show out. So when the time comes that they might take me again, they’d know that I’m worth it,” said Abando in Filipino.

“But I really want to guard kuya Roger (Pogoy) because he was our starter for the World Cup so I really wanted to compete with him.”

Pogoy and Abando were teammates with Gilas Pilipinas under coach Chot Reyes during the Fiba World Cup.

Despite playing with bigger and more experienced stars, Abando still managed to make a good account of himself with Gilas. Abando played his best game during the Philippines’ lone victory in the World Cup against China where he posted 14 points, five rebounds a block.

Abando has mixed emotions being back in the country as he will have to make do with watching on Anyang’s bench on Wednesday.

“Of course, I’m happy and I was even so excited even when I was still in Korea. My assistant coach even told me, ‘hey, you’re pretty happy, huh?’ I wanted to tell him, ‘of course, who wouldn’t be happy going home?’”

“But at the same time, I’m a bit sad because I really wanted to play. Too bad.”