Air Abando is always ready for take off.
During Gilas Pilipinas’ buildup for the FIBA World Cup last August, veteran sports journalist Quinito Henson was interviewed on One PH’s Power & Play. He said a very nice thing about Rhenz Abando, who at that time was gunning for a spot in the national team.
“Aba, super player pala itong si Abando,” The Dean said after talking about the high-flying wing’s alley-oop dunk in a Gilas tune-up game.
On Monday, Abando's club, Anyang KGC, played against the Hyundai Mobis Phoebus for their first game in the Junggwanjang Red Boosters Cup, a preseason showcase of the Korean Basketball League.
Abando is still a super player, based on the highlight reel uploaded by Korean hoops blogger @baekpd1983.
Noticeably, Anyang’s Filipino import showed improvement in different facets of his game while exhibiting the tremendous athleticism he has always been known for.
Play no. 1 – 0:15
It was an and-one as Abando barreled his way down the lane and finished through contact. It was a weightroom shot, which practically said Rhenz got significantly stronger during the offseason.
Play no. 2 – 0:36
It was an alley-oop… layup. He had to contort his body to make the shot so it was impressive, nonetheless.
Play no. 3 – 0:49
Abando drove hard to the baseline and pulled up for a 10-foot jumper. It was nasty and the defense couldn’t do anything about it. Rhenz is not all about dunks, people.
Play no. 4 – 1:02
Abando semi-dunked over a big man from a standstill position. All it took was one step and the former NCAA MVP was at the rim, guiding the ball into the rim past the towering defender’s head.
Play no. 5 – 1:12
Abando went sky high to block what seemed to be an open layup for the Hyundai cager. LeBron James, the master of chasedown blocks, would be proud.
In Anyang’s 91-84 win, the high-flying Filipino posted 13 points, a couple of rebounds, one assist, and two blocks.
A rematch will take place on Wednesday.
(PM)