Rhenz Abando’s Surprise Call-Up to Gilas Pilipinas for FIBA World Cup
Fresh off his first professional stint in South Korea, Rhenz Abando initially intended to take a well-deserved break this off-season. However, his plans swiftly changed following a call-up from Gilas Pilipinas, which could see him participating in the prestigious Fiba (International Basketball Federation) World Cup this coming August.
The sudden announcement came as a surprise to Abando during one of the Gilas’ practices at Meralco Gym in Pasig City.“I was really not expecting to be included in [the pool]. I’ve got nothing lined up—not even training—because I’m on vacation now. So I really thought that I won’t be called up.” he admitted.
Overcoming Injuries and Learning from Veterans
Nevertheless, Abando, a former standout at Letran, warmly welcomed the opportunity. “This should be an excellent experience for me,” he added, seeing it as an invaluable chance to grow.
Abando, part of a 21-man pool from which the Gilas squad for the global showcase will be selected, played limited minutes in the Asia Cup and a couple of games during the World Cup Qualifiers. Despite the relatively short exposure, he is keen to learn from seasoned players such as World Cup veteran Kiefer Ravena and Philippine Basketball Association’s Most Valuable Player, Scottie Thompson.
However, he faces a hurdle – an injury to his shoulder sustained during his tenure with the Anyang KGC in the Korean Basketball League. “Truth be told, I’m still regaining my form. I’ve been careless,” he shared.
In an effort to expedite his recovery, Abando plans to adhere to a personal strength and conditioning program alongside the one provided by Gilas. Should all go smoothly, he is expected to be fit and ready as Gilas prepares for a European tour, where they will face the national teams of Estonia, Latvia, and Finland, and compete against professional clubs from Lithuania.
Gilas’ National Coach Chot Reyes has prioritized the integration of Abando and AJ Edu into the team as part of the World Cup preparation strategy. Abando, one of the youngest players on the team, is determined to seize this chance.
The rising star from La Union stated confidently, “I believe that if I’m given enough time to regain my conditioning, I’ll be prepared for anything.”
Abando and the rest of Gilas Pilipinas are currently at Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna, where they will continue training and team-building until June 20. They are scheduled to depart for Estonia on June 22.
No Holiday for Gilas Pilipinas
As the Fiba Basketball World Cup approaches, Gilas Pilipinas persists with their rigorous training regime at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna, even on Father’s Day.
Head Coach Chot Reyes offered fans a behind-the-scenes peek at the team’s preparations via his Instagram account. He posted a video that spotlighted reigning PBA MVP and recent father, Scottie Thompson, hard at work during training. Joining Thompson at the facility are several others who celebrated Father’s Day, including Reyes himself, assistant coaches Tim Cone, Jong Uichico, and Josh Reyes, and players Japeth Aguilar, CJ Perez, and Poy Erram.
The team conducted two practice sessions on Sunday as the selected 12 players pressed on with their training schedule, all aiming for success in the upcoming Fiba Basketball World Cup.
In addition to those previously mentioned, players June Mar Fajardo, Ange Kouame, Rhenz Abando, Kiefer Ravena, Thirdy Ravena, Chris Newsome, AJ Edu, and Jamie Malonzo also took part in the training sessions.
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