Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Filipino import Rhenz Abando in an EASL Final Four match. –EASL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—After two stellar years together, Rhenz Abando and the Korean Basketball League club Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters are parting ways.
Abando announced the development on Thursday via Instagram post.
On his way out of the KBL squad, he had nothing but gratitude for the team that sheltered him for two seasons.
“To [the] Red Boosters, thank you for giving me the chance to let me showcase my talent and passion for the game,” wrote the Letran product.
READ: Rhenz Abando, in same shoes as OFW mom, shares struggles in Korea
“Thank you for trusting me. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for you and not because of the opportunity that you’ve given me, I would not receive this kind of respect that I experience nowadays.”
The former University of Santo Tomas standout also dedicated a heartfelt paragraph to his fellow OFWs in South Korea who supported him in JKJ’s season games.
“To all the Filipinos who supported me most especially to the OFWs in South Korea, thank you so much for supporting me, especially during workdays, even though you guys still have work you always made time to watch our games. You guys made me feel that I am not alone and I hope I made all of you proud.”
READ: Road to recovery gives Rhenz Abando time to decide what’s next
Abando had quite the run with the Red Boosters in just a span of two years.
Dduring his rookie year alone, he helped JKJ (formerly Anyang KGC) reach the pinnacle of the KBL, winning the 2023 season championship at the expense of the Seoul SK Knights.
In that same year, Abando also won the KBL All-Star Slam Dunk title and the high-flying forward also helped Anyang take the East Asia Super League Champions Week chip.
However, in his second season with the Red Boosters, he was held to a limited number of games during a controversial fall that gave him a spinal injury.
Due to that freak accident, Abando missed several key games, watching helplessly in the stands while JKJ absorbed an abysmal 18-36 card.
As of posting, there’s still no announcement of Abando’s next decision.