Abarrientos making most out of stint with Gilas Men
Published on July 19, 2022

RJ Abarrientos is learning as much as he can from his time with Gilas Pilipinas Men. As one of the team’s youngest members, the 22-year-old is focusing on improving every day and making the most out of the experience. 

“Opportunity na biniigay sakin di ko talaga pinapakawalan lalo na itong Gilas ko,” Abarrientos said. “[I’m] considered as a pro, playing abroad, playing international. Sobrang tumaatas yung role ko, di lang naman ako, kahit sinong player na maglaro dito siguro yung kumpyansa talagang high level, tataas talaga, kaya sakin talagang gina-grab ko yung opportunity na to.”

The guard out of Far Eastern University is particularly soaking in all the advice and lessons he’s getting from his kuyas like Ray Parks and brothers Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena. 

“Sobrang laking tulong nila para sakin. Big factor yun as leaders katulad nila,” Abarrientos said. “Nandyan sila para mag-advice, nandyan sila para makita kung ano yung better, kung ano yung kailangan mong gayahin.”

“Alam mo yung dati pinapanood mo lang sila PBA, sa Gilas, sa international games, tapos ngayon kasama mo na sila, kakampi mo na sila, kasama mo na sila kumain, magkakasama kayo pumunta rito sa Indonesia, dito sa games sa FIBA.”

With the Gilas veterans as his inspiration, Abarrientos is gaining more and more confidence. He wants to reach the level of his Kuyas and to do that, he knows he has to have the same work ethic and drive. 

“Ngayon nakikita mo sila nagtatrabaho, mas ginaganahan ka, mas nage-enjoy, mas tumataas yung kumpyansa mo kasi the way sila magsalita,” he said. “The way sila mag turo sa loob ng court on and off talagang mapapatitig ka talaga at mapapa-focus na okay, ito na pala yung pro level, ito na pala yung pro na kailangan mong i-grab kasi nandito na sila, nandito na yung mga kuyas mo so big thanks sa kanila dahil andyan sila parati.”

Abarrientos is also taking notes against Asia’s best point guards. From facing Lebanon, India, and New Zealand, he’s been observant of how the top playmakers of the region operate. One of the players he has kept his eye on is Lebanon’s Wael Arakji. 

“Ako nakalaban ko si Arakji even the other guards ng international kaya masasabi kong ibang klase yung international na level,” Abarrientos said, noting that these guards have made a name for themselves at the world stage. “Kaya hanggat kaya ko mag improve mentally and physically talagang tina-try ko at ginagawa ko every day.”

Abarrientos is one of the bright young talents of Gilas Pilipinas Men. As he gains more experience and knowledge, he’ll become an even deadlier international-caliber guard. 

“Sobrang excited ako sa mga dumarating na opportunities na binibigay ni God sakin,” Abarrientos said as he continues to learn from coaches and teammates that fuel his confidence. “Ina-absorb ko lang yung mga binibigay nila sakin na advice para makatulong din sakin sa career ko.”