Rhenz Abando of the Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters was thrilled by the overwhelming support from the Cebuano fans during their EASL semifinals game against the Seoul SK Knights on Friday night at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
Abando mentioned that hearing the crowd cheer his name brings back memories of when he was part of the Gilas Pilipinas team competing in the 2023 FIBA World Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“It brought back FIBA World Cup memories, and I felt very happy,” said Abando, who finished with 11 points, three rebounds, and one block during the Red Boosters’ 94-79 defeat to the SK Knights.
Red Boosters head coach Kim Sang-sik confessed that initially, he intended to play Abando for only 10 minutes. However, he extended his playing time to provide him with an opportunity to showcase his talent in front of the Filipino audience.
“It was a very bad situation. There are some things that are unreasonable because he wants to come to his country and show himself playing in front of the fans. This is a situation where he should rest,” Kim said in an interview with Naver Sports.
“The coaching staff all know that he was supposed to play for only 10 minutes,” he added. “I will talk a lot with Abando so that I can check his physical condition, get treatment, and prepare him for more playing time (on Sunday).”
The dethroned champions aim to secure a bronze medal finish as they go against the Jeremy Lin-less New Taipei Kings in a battle-for-third-place game on Sunday.
The post Rhenz Abando thrilled by Cebuanos’ support, evoking FIBA World Cup memories first appeared on Fastbreak.
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