Homecourt edge not a cinch for Rhenz Abando, Anyang

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

LAPU-LAPU CITY—Rhenz Abando isn’t sure if being the lone Filipino player in the East Asia Super League (EASL) Final Four will make his South Korean team the crowd favorite.

“I’m not saying that we have the home court advantage,” Abando said on the eve of the tournament’s pinnacle stage which will see his Anyang Jung Kwan Jang squad take on fellow Korean Basketball League (KBL) outfit Seoul SK Knights on Friday at Hoops Dome here.

“But I think playing in front of Filipino fans will boost me up,” added Abando, whose availability as of presstime remains a question mark despite recently returning from a spinal injury caused by a horrific fall in late-December.

READ: Rhenz Abando doubtful for Anyang in EASL Final Four match in Cebu

Abando’s presence is seen as a key attraction outside of former National Basketball Association player Jeremy Lin, whose New Taipei Kings face Japanese club Chiba Jets in the other semifinal. The winner of both games will advance to Sunday’s final.

He has been among the successful stories among Filipino ballplayers who opted to go abroad to ply their trade, and was among the reasons why Anyang pulled off a double last year with title victories in the KBL and the EASL Champions Week.

READ: Rhenz Abando has triumphant KBL return from spine injury

Back home, Abando’s KBL highlights are among the most followed on social media, fueling his popularity among Filipino fans.