The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) is about to kick off with a new season. But, before another series of tense competition begins, a familiar name is reportedly sprouting back into action—Rhenz Abando. Is this true or is this another publicity stunt just like last year?
The uber-athletic guard has been keeping a low profile in the past ten months or so. After parting ways with Anyang JKJ of the Korean Basketball League (KBL), many thought Abando would be taking his talents elsewhere. Perhaps the prestigious Japan B.League, where Kai Sotto currently plays. However, many months have passed, and the high-flying Gilas Pilipinas member is yet to sign a contract.
The 27-year-old phenom even declined to participate during the 2024 PBA draft. It is said he is currently training in Dubai, after a short stint with Strong Group Athletics. It’s been a quiet year for Abando, until February 2025, when a sports journalist revealed that Rhenz Abando will be returning to the MPBL to play in season 7.
Abando Back to MPBL?
Basketball insider, Snow Badua, posted a controversial revelation on Facebook, stating that Abando is activated again and will be heading back to the Philippines, where the La Union native will be participating in the MPBL for a second trip, either for the returning Cebu squad and join Greg Slaughter or with the stacked Abra Weavers who had just signed Dave Ildefonso.
For those who don’t remember, Abando once played in the MPBL, under the San Juan Go for Gold (now San Juan Knights). The former Letran standout made his way into the league back in 2021 and immediately made an impression, resulting in his National team call-up and international recognition.
From 2022 until 2024, everything went well for Abando: a nice career in Korea, plus he’s a Gilas stalwart who has helped the team have a deep World Cup run. Obviously, he’s one of the best guys on the court, especially with his relentless defense.
However, things slowly turned sour when he was cut from Anyang JKJ and entered May 2024 as a free agent.
Back in June 2024, rumors were also spreading that he would return to the MPBL and play for Valenzuela, which he quickly debunked.
Then comes Snow Badua in 2025, who affirmed that Abando is indeed back in MPBL and is actively recruiting other Pinoy basketball stars to come with him.
However, Rhenz Abando also quickly denied that rumor, saying it was just “fake news”. On the other hand, Badua still insists because that’s what his sources told him, resulting in an all-out internet feud between Abando, Badua, and the fans.
But, taking everything into consideration, the talks of Abando going back to MPBL are nothing but pure speculation. These are only baseless rumors which Abando himself completely denies.
He’s still a free agent and is actively looking for a contract abroad. Right now, Abando is still mourning after his grandmother’s passing.
We’re likely to hear more about his potential destination soon, but as of this writing, Rhenz Abando is NOT suiting up for Abra, Cebu, or any team in the MPBL. If any, he’s more likely to join the PBA draft this year or maybe the next. Which brings us to the question: Why is Abando not getting offers from Korea and Japan anymore?
