PBA: RJ Abarrientos delivers for Ginebra as ‘starter off the bench’

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings rookie guard RJ Abarrientos during the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals Game 5 against San Miguel Beermen. – PBA Images

MANILA, Philippines—Ginebra guard RJ Abarrientos finished Game 5 with the best offensive game of his young PBA career on Wednesday night.

But what only mattered for the rookie was the pivotal win that came along with his numbers.

“First of all, I wasn’t even thinking much about it today,” said Abarrientos after the Gin Kings’ 121-92 win that put them on the cusp of a spot in the Governors’ Cup finals.

READ: PBA: Ginebra crushes San Miguel in Game 5 to close in on Finals berth

“I just stuck with the system, I wasn’t forcing my shots and I just went with the flow on both offense and defense. I’m just doing my part off the bench.”

Abarrientos finished with 28 points–his PBA best–along with three rebounds and two assists and he did it all while coming off the bench.

Being part of the second unit, though, is something that  Abarrientos is embracing.

“We’re all good at scoring in this position [point guards] but for me, as a bench player, that’s what I see where we lack, in bench scoring. I think that’s what I need to learn now. I’m very thankful that I have my coaches’ trust to play,” he said.

READ: PBA: RJ Abarrientos showcases resilience in leading Ginebra

While Abarrientos kept reiterating his label as a “bench player,” coach Tim Cone said he’s more than just that.

“He’s a starter off the bench,” clarified Cone, who steered the Gin Kings to a 3-2 lead over the Beermen.

“He keeps calling himself a ‘bench player,’ but he’s a starter off the bench and there’s no doubt about it. It’s going to stay that way and he’s going to be a starter for years and years and years,” added the top tactician.

Abarrientos and the Gin Kings look to close out the semis series on Wednesday when they face San Miguel Beer in Game 6 at Araneta Coliseum.