Newly minted PBA champion and Best Player of the Conference RJ Abarrientos is up for a whole new ball game when he rejoins Gilas Pilipinas for the third window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers this July. It is the first time he’ll be suiting up for the national team in FIBA‑sanctioned games since 2022, when he played for the white, blue, and red in the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup.
So, the reigning PBA Rookie of the Year is well aware that this is now a different setting he’s in.
“Siyempre iba ‘to, mas ano ‘to, kumbaga ibang usapan na ‘to pagdating sa bansa [ang] pinaglalabanan, kumbaga it’s not about this, parang kumbaga hindi ito PBA, hindi ito ‘yung about sa team mo,” he told reporters after Gilas Pilipinas’ open practice on Monday.
Abarrientos Up for Whatever Role Tim Cone Gives
With Ginebra, particularly in Season 50, Abarrientos has become the go‑to guy and primary ballhandler. He is a point god, so to speak. With Gilas, it remains to be seen how Tim Cone will use his prized sophomore.
Not that it matters to Abarrientos, who told reporters he will just adapt to whatever role will be given to him as he trusts his coaching staff that much.
“Siyempre ibang game ‘to, different game ‘to. Kung ano ‘yung ibibigay sa aking time, siyempre pag‑aaralan ko. Ibibigay ko ‘yung best ko, kung ano ‘yung ibibigay sa akin na time ng mga coaches,” he said.
While his role is still up in the air, the former KBL Rookie of the Year believes what he’ll be tasked to do for Gilas will be different from his normal duties with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, where he is usually the main playmaker alongside Scottie Thompson, who was a late scratch in the final 12, and Justin Brownlee.
“Ibang role ‘to from my team na Ginebra, so kung ano ‘yung ibibigay sa akin, I’m always ready kung ano ‘yung ibibigay sa akin ni Coach Tim,” Abarrientos shared. “Kumbaga ite‑take ko ‘yun na blessings sa kung anong time na ibibigay sa akin.”
With his outside sniping and familiarity with Cone’s triangle, don’t be surprised if Abarrientos takes on a more prominent role in Gilas Pilipinas’ backcourt attack. Whether that or something else, expect Abarrientos to welcome it with open arms and an open mind.
