IT will be a no-brainer for Rhenz Abando to answer the call for Gilas Pilipinas after he was included in the national team pool for the FIBA Asia Cup slated next month.
After two years, Abando will have an opportunity to wear the national team jersey anew when he was named along with PBA stars RJ Abarrientos and Troy Rosario of Ginebra and Magnolia’s Zavier Lucero by Gilas coach Tim Cone in the “long list” of pool last Monday.
The former Letran ace and NCAA MVPwas part of the Gilas crew in the prestigious FIBA World Cup in 2023.
“Sobrang happy ako kasi naging part ulit ako ng Gilas Pool. Sana kapag na-line-up ako, gagawin ko lahat,” Abando said during the open practice of the Strong Group Athletics-Philippines last Wednesday at the College of St. Benilde Gym in Manila.
The high-leaping wingman and the SGA-Philippines are currently gearing up to defend their title in the 44th William Jones Cup in Chinese Taipei which will begin this weekend.
Abando asserted that there won’t be a conflict with his stint with Strong Group and the Gilas, although bared that he might be joining the national team after the Jones Cup.
“Hindi ko na pag-dedesisyunan iyon. Gilas iyan. Hindi naman nasagasaan iyong sa Gilas. Naging open naman sila na alam naman nilang nandito naman ako,” he said.
“Kinausap naman ako ni coach Richard (del Rosario), tinanong niya rin kung kailan balik namin. Sabi nila, tatawagan daw nila ako kung need na nila ako doon sa practice after SGA.”
