By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Rhenz Abando will be testing the waters of the international basketball scene once again after deciding to part ways with Korean Basketball League club Anyang KGC announced on May 23, 2024.
Abando, the current highest-paid Filipino import in Korea, confirmed the major development in his official social media account after posting a long and heartfelt message to Anyang and his fans.
After two years with the prestigious franchise in the KBL, Abando decided not to renew his contract and is yet to confirm whether he will be staying in Korea or heading elsewhere.
“Thank you for giving me the chance to showcase my talent and passion for the game. Thank you for trusting me. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for you and the opportunity you’ve given me. I wouldn’t receive the kind of respect I experience nowadays,” posted Abando.
In his two years with Anyang, Abando showcased what he could do as an Asian import and quickly became a fan favorite with his high-flying highlight reels and clutch performances.
Last year, Abando was hailed as the KBL All-Star Slam Dunk King and made a mark as the first Filipino import to win the title.
Despite an inconsistent season campaign with his team after getting derailed by various injuries, Abando was still able to average 8.48 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assists during his debut season.
“To the JKJ fans, thank you for the undying support and belief in us. Win or lose, you guys are always by our side. Thank you so much, and please continue to support this team no matter what,” Abando added.
Abando will wrap up his career with Anyang as a one-time KBL champion, an All-Star Slam Dunk King, and a key member of their franchise from 2022-2024.
