RJ Abarrientos finally nails down goal that has long eluded him

You can finally call RJ Abarrientos a champion. —PBA IMAGES

Until Barangay Ginebra’s title conquest in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, rising star RJ Abarrientos had been there, but not quite done that.

“There,” being almost everywhere. “That,” being winning a championship.

All that changed on Wednesday night when Abarrientos finally shook off the monkey on his back and helped the Gin Kings beat TNT to end a three-year drought.

Abarrientos’ basketball journey, both in college and in the professional ranks overseas, has hardly been smooth. He would be the first to admit it.

Fortunately for him, he has always had the support system he needed.

“Every league was hard. Every league had challenges for me,” Abarrientos told the Inquirer after Ginebra’s Game 7 victory over TNT at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“Whether you win or lose, there are always people who doubt you mentally and physically on the court. But if you have teammates who trust you, there’s no reason to give up.”

Plenty of buzz

The journey began under the bright lights of the UAAP.

As a one-and-done guard for FEU, Abarrientos generated plenty of buzz during the pandemic era but never tasted team success.

He then took his talents to the Korean Basketball League, signing with Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus.

While he captured Rookie of the Year honors, a championship remained out of reach.

Next came a move to Japan’s B.League, where he suited up for the Shinshu Brave Warriors. Once again, the title he sought proved elusive.

When Abarrientos returned home and entered the 2024 PBA Draft, Ginebra selected him third overall.

The frustrations followed him at first.

Legendary uncle

He endured back-to-back Finals losses to TNT in Season 49, but through it all, he leaned on a support system that included the winningest coach in PBA history and his legendary uncle, Johnny Abarrientos.

“I’m just thankful for my coaches and my Tito. Those are the most important people for me,” he said. “My ears are always open and I’m always willing to listen.

“I’m still far from my goal, but I’m thankful because I’m surrounded by winning coaches.”

Abarrientos’ breakthrough conference became even more memorable when he was named Best Player of the Conference.

He chose not to celebrate then.

Now, he finally can.

After falling short in the UAAP, the KBL and the B.League, Abarrientos at last achieved what had long eluded him—a championship.

“I said before that individual awards aren’t worth celebrating,” he said. “But this time, it’s time to celebrate.” INQ