LA-playalike Abarrientos challenged by Chua to ‘prove me right’

Ginebra boss Al Chua expects a lot from RJ

TIME for RJ Abarrientos to back up his words.

Barangay Ginebra team governor Alfrancis Chua challenged the talented rookie to live up to his words after the two met for the first time Monday when the franchise signed Abarrientos to a three-year deal.

Abarrientos was certainly grateful for the trust given him by San Miguel management that he vows to help the Kings in whatever capacity he can.

While Chua was pleased with he heard from the guard out of Far Eastern University, he told Abarrientos it’s better to translate those words into actions inside the court.

“Sabi ko sa kanya, kung ano yung sinasabi mo bata, kailangan gawin mo sa laro yan,” said the San Miguel Corporation sports director recalled of his conversation with the draft’s no. 3 overall pick.

“Pero magalang na bata,” added Chua.

Taking a look at the nephew of PBA great Johnny Abarrientos at the way he talks and acts, Chua was reminded of one player who’s very close to him.

“Yung pagka-kumpiyansa niya, siya pa lang ang nakita kong ganun. Pero yung pag nagsasabi siya na ‘hindi kaya natin yung ganito,’ parang si LA Tenorio,” he said. “Yung the way he envisions kung ano ang mangyayari sa team, parang si LA.”

Chua noted such confidence could have stemmed from Abarrientos playing in a lot of games overseas, initially with Gilas Pilipinas, then with the Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus in the Korean Basketball League (KBL), the Shinshu Brave Warriors in the Japan B. League, and just recently, with the Strong Group Athletics in the 2024 Jones Cup where the team won the championship.

“Sa dami ng experience niya na pinag-laruan, angat na angat siya,” Chua said.

The Ginebra official also said the contract negotiations went smoothly, with Abarrientos represented on the negotiating table by his manager Edgar Mangahas.

“Walang kahirap-hirap yung negotiations namin,” said Chua. “Tawa-tawa lang siya (RJ). But he’s very excited to play for Ginebra.”