During the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals between Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and TNT Tropang 5G, rookie John Abis made quite the impression—particularly on Ginebra fans.
The Ginebra rookie played in only four games, yet he showed flashes of a good player. Abis’s contributions weren’t much, as he averaged only 3.0 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.7 assists, but his hustle, energy, and intensity were apparent every second he was on the floor.
Looking back—and maybe even looking forward—Abis told Rebanse after Ginebra’s title-clinching Game 7 win that it’s all about giving his best every time, whether in games or in practice.
“Binibigay ko lang ‘yung best ko, ‘yung hustle ko, and talagang laro ko,” said the rookie forward. “Kumbaga, all out ako sa training, talagang pinapakita ko na para lang mapansin ako nila coach, ‘yung mga teammates ko.”
All-Out Abis
In the Finals, Abis seemed to have gotten the attention he wanted as he was rewarded with valuable playing time. And when asked what he has done behind the scenes to earn those valuable minutes, the 25-year-old again stressed how he gives his absolute best.
“Kumbaga, maging 100% palagi sa training, lalong lalo na kapag rookie ka pa lang kasi magpapakita ka pa talaga dapat bago ka pa makapaglaro talaga,” he said.
That all-out effort paid off in the Finals, and Abis can say he actually played meaningfully in Ginebra’s title conquest. And as he savors his first-ever title as a pro, the former Perpetual Help Altas standout is just thankful to have experienced what it’s like to become a champion.
“Sobrang laking pasalamat ko lang sa kanila [Ginebra] kasi nakaramdam ako nito, nakaranas ako nito…” Abis concluded.
Now a champion in just his very first year in the PBA, Abis will next look to build on the opportunities he earned in the Finals. He already showed glimpses of what he can do—but he’ll have to work even harder to truly earn a major role in Ginebra moving forward.
