Filipino KBL import Rhenz Abando (middle) during the EASL Final Four press conference in Cebu. –JONAS TERRADO
LAPU-LAPU CITY—Rhenz Abando said he is doubtful to play for Anyang Jung Kwan Jang in Friday’s East Asia Super League (EASL) Final Four match against fellow South Korean club Seoul SK Knights despite his recent return from a spinal injury.
“Not sure,” Abando said when asked by local reporters of his status following a press conference held at Dusit Thani in this city.
The Gilas Pilipinas mainstay in the 2023 Fiba World Cup is the lone Filipino attraction in the culminating phase of the continental competition.
READ: Rhenz Abando has triumphant KBL return from spine injury
He took part in Thursday’s practice at Hoops Dome, also in this city, which could be among the signs that the athletic wingman will see action in front of local fans who are expected to root for the double winners of last year’s KBL and EASL Champions Week.
Here at Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City where Rhenz Abando and Anyang Jung Kwan Jang prepare for tomorrow’s EASL Final Four match vs fellow KBL side Seoul SK Knights. | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/iJr2MgDOu5
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 7, 2024
Anyang is also led by import Jamil Wilson, who recently played for Converge in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Seoul came in without its Filipino reinforcement Juan Gomez de Liano after being ruled out for the rest of the KBL season after undergoing surgery on his finger.
READ: Rhenz Abando, in same shoes as OFW mom, shares struggles in Korea
Abando suited up for the Red Boosters over the weekend against Goyang Sono in the Korean Basketball League (KBL), his first game since his horrific fall last December.
Ironically, the injury came against the same team when Abando was going for the ball against Goyang import Chinanu Onuaku.
Onuaku was later handed a fine worth P128,000 and later apologized to Abando.
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He had 17 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals in his comeback which saw Anyang winning, 92-87, but admitted that he’s still dealing with some soreness after another hard fall, this time in the stanchion after attempting to complete a transition layup.
“I was actually feeling better until I took another hard fall,” Abando said in Filipino. “Actually, I’m still dealing with the pain and I didn’t practice after that game.”