RJ Abarrientos and his uncle, Johnny, found themselves on the same team as the Ginebra Gin Kings signed the latter as assistant coach this PBA offseason.
Contrary to popular belief, RJ and Johnny Abarrientos do not talk much about basketball at home.
But after the PBA legend joined Ginebra as assistant coach in the offseason, RJ expects that to change, be it in practice or a family gathering.
“Siyempre, very excited na makasama ko 'yong tito ko sa isang team, especially sa Ginebra pa. Looking forward na mas marami pa akong matutunan,” Abarrientos told One Sports during the PBA Draft last Sept. 7.
After a rookie season that saw him strut his stuff in the Finals twice, the younger Abarrientos knows there’s still has his work cut out for him.
But with his uncle’s arrival at the Gin Kings camp, the 5-foot-9 guard looks forward to becoming a better and complete player.
And when you have a relative who is of Johnny's stature, you take every opportunity you can to pick his brains and learn.
“'Yong technique as a guard. Kasi hindi naman kalakihan si Tito, pero the way niya makita 'yong basketball [is different],” RJ said.
“Both ends of the floor 'yon, sa defense and offense. 'Yon ang gusto kong makuha sa kanya: kung paano niya naba-balance 'yon, paano niya nagagawa 'yon kahit pagod siya.”
He is thus ready to be his uncle’s protégé.
“Ready na akong makinig kay tito. Ready na akong sabunin niya,” RJ said with a hearty laugh.
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.