Rhenz Abando is back in the KBL, where the high-flying wingman will once again suit up for the Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters.
A year after parting ways with the Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters, Rhenz Abando is set to reunite with the KBL squad.
The four-time league champions announced the signing of the 27-year-old on Tuesday, July 29.
Abando last saw action action for Strong Group Athletics-Philippines in their successful Jones Cup title-retention bid.
One of his teammates in that squad is Javi Gomez de Liaño, who played for Anyang as their Filipino import last season before the team parted ways with the former UP cager.
[ALSO READ: Strong Group becomes first Philippine team to repeat as Jones Cup champion]
He was also included in the expanded Gilas Pilipinas roster for the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup campaign in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia alongside Magnolia's Zavier Lucero, as well as Barangay Ginebra's RJ Abarrientos and Troy Rosario.
[ALSO READ: Abando, Abarrientos, Rosario, and Lucero added to Gilas pool for FIBA Asia Cup]
Abando joined the Red Boosters in 2023, and made an immediate impact in his rookie season. They were crowned KBL champions that year, in addition to winning very first EASL Champions Week trophy after toppling the Seoul SK Knights.
He also earned individual accolades, including the Slam Dunk crown and the 3x3 All-Star Game trophy.
[ALSO READ: Rhenz Abando becomes first overseas Pinoy hooper to win EASL title]
In his second year with the team, Abando suffered a spinal injury that saw him play just 30 games. With him sidelined for most of the season, Anyang finished second-to-last with a dismal 18-36 record.
[ALSO READ: Rhenz Abando about "85-90 percent" after return from spinal injury]
He averaged 9.9 points and 4.3 rebounds in almost 25 minutes per game during that season.
[ALSO READ: KBL: Rhenz Abando bids Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters goodbye after two seasons]
Fast forward to 2025, Abando is in line face off against fellow former college standouts Carl Tamayo and the defending champions Changwon LG Sakers, Kevin Quiambao of the Goyang Sono Skygunners, and JD Cagulangan of the Suwon KT Sonicboom, among others.
[ALSO READ: Carl Tamayo, Changwon LG Sakers take Game 7 vs Seoul to win KBL Finals]
Following Abando’s arrival, Anyang is determined to reach the KBL summit once again, especially after a subpar quarterfinal finish last season.