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Despite being left out of the lineup, RJ Abarrientos remains grateful for the opportunity to don the national colors during the team’s send-off game after last suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas in 2022
MANILA, Philippines – It took a while, but RJ Abarrientos finally made his return in a Gilas Pilipinas uniform during the Nationals’ send-off game against the Macau Black Bears last Monday, July 28.
Although Abarrientos and his fellow Barangay Ginebra star Troy Rosario were left behind when the Nationals flew to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, July 30, for the upcoming 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, the 5-foot-11 guard remained grateful for the opportunity to don the national colors in the exhibition match after last suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas in 2022
“First of all, I’m thankful and grateful that in a way, my name gets mentioned and they’re considering me for Gilas,” Abarrientos told reporters after the Philippines’ 103-98 win over the Black Bears at the Araneta Coliseum.
“Of course, I’m not wasting this opportunity — whether I make the lineup or they just need extra players for the [FIBA Asia Cup] or other tournaments for Gilas, I’m still available.”
Prior to Monday’s contest, where he contributed 2 points in 5 minutes of action, Abarrientos last represented the Philippines in the international stage during the third window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers in July 2022 — when the national team was still under head coach Chot Reyes.
Before that, Abarrientos was also part of the Tab Baldwin-coached Gilas Pilipinas squads that saw action in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers and the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Serbia.
It’s been quite a journey for the 25-year-old Abarrientos since his last stint with Gilas Pilipinas three years ago as he has since taken his talents overseas to Korea and Japan, before returning home to join the 2024 PBA Draft.
Now under the guidance of national team head coach Tim Cone at Ginebra, it’s only a matter of time before Abarrientos cracks the 12-man Gilas Pilipinas roster once again.
“This is like dèjà vu for me,” said Abarrientos of playing for Gilas Pilipinas.
“I’m just embracing the moment and I’m thankful to the bosses that I’m one of the players they call up for this opportunity.” – Rappler.com
