By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
RJ Abarrientos is ready to unfold a new chapter in his international professional hoops career after leaving the Korean Basketball League (KBL) for a chance to flaunt his skills in the Japan B. League.
The young and rising Filipino point guard made his decision official last July 4, 2023, and confirmed that he is ready for his debut with the Shinsu Brave Warriors for the upcoming season in Japan.
Despite winning the recent KBL Rookie of the Year award several months ago, Abarrientos made noise in the Asian basketball scene once again after securing his release from his mother team, the Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus.
Abarrientos saw his acquisition stock rise after his first season in Korea when he averaged 13.6 points, 4.8 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per contest.
The former Gilas Pilipinas men’s national basketball team young cadet not only lived up to his name as the Rookie of the Year but he also acted as the team’s catalyst after leading Hyundai to the playoffs.
Abarrientos’ tremendous scoring ability and playmaking were on full display in the KBL and was highly regarded as one of the most notable Asian imports during the past season of the league together with Rhenz Abando and SJ Belangel.
Now playing in an entire new environment in Japan, Abarrientos is expected to bring his consistency and floor generalship to the Brave Warriors.
Abarrientos will be teaming up with fellow Pinoy Matt Aquino who recently absorbed an eligibility to play as a local Japanese due to his mother’s heritage.
Further specific details of Abarrientos’ contract weren’t announced or stated in the team’s official remarks including the number of years under Shinsu’s terms and conditions.
