RJ Abarrientos powered through sickness to help the Ginebra Gin Kings claim their first win in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Wednesday, Oct. 15.
Wearing a face mask, RJ Abarrientos made sure to maintain a safe distance from reporters during an interview Wednesday night, Oct. 15.
Abarrientos was still reeling from flu when he saw action in Ginebra’s 92-77 win over TNT in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
“Sabi ng mga doctor, Influenza A, 'yong kumakalat ngayon,” Abarrientos told reporters after the match.
“Nagsabi na ako sa mga doctors at nurse na hindi ako makapaglalaro. Madaling araw, doon tumama. Sabi nga ng misis ko, 'wag ko na nga raw ipilit.”
[ALSO READ: Cone on Maverick Ahanmisi: 'He's an elite player... and will continue to be']
Gin Kings head coach Tim Cone asked Abarrientos to still join the team as they clash with the Tropang 5G, hoping his ward would feel better once he broke a sweat during warm-up.
Abarrientos did feel a slight improvement and ended up with 14 points as Ginebra atoned for its 73-80 loss to Magnolia in the Manila Clasico opener.
“Sabi ni coach Tim, tingnan sa warm-up. Baka 'pag napawisan, maging better. Medyo naging better pero ang hirap maglarong may sakit,” Abarrientos said.
[ALSO READ: PBA: Japeth Aguilar steers Ginebra to one-sided win over TNT]
RJ Abarrientos aims for the basket as Ginebra head coach Tim Cone looks on. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
But he admitted he was feeling cold when he was on the bench.
“Mataas [pa ang lagnat ko]. 'Pag pinawisan ako, parang wala. Kaso 'pag medyo natuyo ka, nanlalamig ulit,” Abarrientos said.
“Pero OK naman. Happy naman kasi nakuha ang panalo. Siguro mabibinat ako kung natalo kami.”
Fortunately for the Gin Kings' hordes of fans, the newly minted Rookie of the Year will see action against Meralco Friday, Oct. 17.
Match is at 7:30 p.m. at the same Cubao venue.
—
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.