PBA: Big part of Ginebra’s future, RJ Abarrientos focuses on present

Barangay Ginebra guard RJ Abarrientos during a game against Phoenix in the PBA Governors’ Cup.-PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Most people get pressure, some people get love. RJ Abarrientos is one of the lucky few who has love in place of pressure.

Five games into the PBA Governors’ Cup, Abarrientos has already proved his mettle and more for Ginebra.

Despite a shaky start for the Gin Kings, one of the few bright spots for the crowd favorites has been Abarrientos’ stellar play.

And his string of fine performances certainly has not gone unnoticed.

READ: PBA: Ginebra exec has high hopes with RJ Abarrientos now on board

“I expected it. If you play in Ginebra the fans would always be there from bad to good news and bad to good games,” said Abarrientos after their 110-101 win over Phoenix on Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

“For me, with these five games, I’m enjoying it. I do have to feel like I have to improve like LA (Tenorio), Scottie (Thompson) and other veterans.”

What’s not to enjoy?

Abarrientos is the present and future of one of the most successful franchises in the PBA. He also has the luxury of learning from the greats being on the same squad as LA Tenorio, Scottie Thompson and coach Tim Cone, who surely knows how to maximize a player’s full potential.

But unlike any other player who deals with pressure, Abarrientos seems impervious to it.

Focused on now

Abarrientos added another solid showing in his young PBA career on Friday.

The 24-year-old guard collected 16 points, four rebounds and four assists to help the Gin Kings turn back the Fuel Masters.

READ: PBA: RJ Abarrientos eager to learn from Ginebra coaches

And with good performances comes the conversation of following the greats that came before him.

With its rich history, Ginebra has no shortage of legendary guards in the past.

But for Abarrientos, looking back at the past and worrying about the future is not the focus.

“I don’t really expect much [to be the franchise]. Maybe all I need to think about now is what I can do to help in game and in practice,” said Abarrientos, who was selected third overall in the PBA Draft last July.

“I’m not eyeing to be the franchise [player]. I’m not looking to be that. Whatever my coaches give me, I’ll grab it. It’s just a bonus for me if it comes in a few years but now, my focus is whatever’s given to me.”

Talent’s easy to recognize, but humility has a far bigger value lost in some budding players.

Abarrientos isn’t just some player as he already accepted that his PBA stint may not pan out the way he wants it to go.

READ: PBA: Ginebra just couldn’t pass up on ‘elite’ RJ Abarrientos

After all, it is his dream to play in the PBA, the same league that saw his uncle Johnny dominate during his heyday with Cone and Alaska in the 90s.

“This has been my dream since I was a kid, to play in the PBA. Other doors just opened in other countries which is why I took them… Here in the PBA, I didn’t come here just for a stopover. This has been what I’ve been preparing for in other countries for the past few years,” the younger Abarrientos said.

“I have to learn and accept that when I come to the PBA, I’m not a star player. I can be a role player, others and that’s the mindset that I have, which allows me to adjust.”