RJ Abarrientos took his unique “double Rookie of the Year” moment in stride, shifting his focus to chasing a championship in his first full season with Barangay Ginebra.
RJ Abarrientos was quick to admit that his latest achievement sounds a bit surreal.
Just two years after winning Rookie of the Year honors in the Korean Basketball League with the Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus, the Ginebra guard was once again named Rookie of the Year—this time in the PBA’s 49th season.
The rare distinction makes him one of the few players to claim top-rookie awards in two different countries.
“Medyo hindi ako makapaniwala dahil back-to-back Rookie of the Year—parang kalokohan, 'di ba?” Abarrientos said with a laugh. “Pero ‘yung isa kasi sa Korea, kaya medyo kapani-paniwala. Siyempre sa PBA, walang back-to-back Rookie of the Year.”
The crafty guard took home the Rookie of the Year plum after beating out Rain or Shine’s Caelan Tiongson, Phoenix’s Kai Balunggay, and Blackwater’s Sedrick Barefield.
Abarrientos made an immediate impact in his debut PBA season, helping Ginebra to back-to-back Finals appearances while posting averages of 12.7 points, 3.6 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game.
But as much as the 26-year-old guard appreciated the recognition, he was quick to downplay it. Abarrientos’ focus, he stressed, remains on team success.
“Ito bonus lang sa akin na makakuha ng individual awards,” he said. “Pero for me, bigger picture mas gusto ko, siyempre makakuha ng championship with the Ginebra team.”
Abarrientos admitted as well that the honor would’ve felt sweeter had the Gin Kings opened their Philippine Cup campaign with a win.
Ginebra dropped its 50th season debut to Magnolia, coached by his former teammate LA Tenorio.
“Siyempre unacceptable ‘yung pagkatalo namin,” he said. “Pero marami pang games, so kailangan lang namin makabawi.”
[ALSO READ: Cone after Ginebra loss to debuting coach Tenorio, Magnolia: 'I'm happy for LA']
Abarrientos and the Gin Kings will look to get back on track when they face the TNT Tropang 5G next Wednesday, October 15, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
(With reports from Gillian Velasco/One Sports)
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.