FUELED BY GRIEF, RHENZ ABANDO PUSHES STRONG GROUP TOWARDS DUBAI GLORY

Games today

(Al Nasr Club)

9 p.m. (UAE time) - Strong Group vs Sharjah

Rhenz Abando has been one of the pillars for Strong Group-Philippines at the ongoing 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship. 

The 6-foot-2 forward has been pivotal to the Athletics’ success, leading the local scorers with an impressive 9.0 points per game.

With the elimination round now behind them, Strong Group heads into the quarterfinals with a perfect 4-0 record, a feat that sets them up as the top seed. 

But for Abando, while the wins are undoubtedly satisfying, the pursuit of the crown continues.

“So far so good naman. Happy for the team kasi we’re winning but at the same time medyo not satisfied ako sa performance ko pero ang mahalaga nananalo kami,” said the former University of Santo Tomas standout, who has been a free agent since May of last year.

“Super laking tulong nito sa experience ko knowing na hindi ako nakapag laro nang eight months or almost a year para akong nangangapa ulit. Momentum ko wala eh so super laking tulong neto sakin. Parang stepping stone ulit to para makabalik ako,” he shared, admitting that the past year without competitive basketball has been a tough adjustment.

But behind his stellar play lies a heavy heart. 

Just days after Strong Group’s arrival in Dubai, Abando received heartbreaking news – his grandmother, whom he affectionately called Lola Ansing, passed away.

For Abando, this was more than just a loss; it was a deep emotional void. 

Raised in a family without a father figure, his grandmother took care of him, providing the love and support he needed to thrive.

“Laking lola ako. Lumaki ako sa pamilyang walang tatay so lola ko naging nanay samin and nanay ko naging tatay para samin,” he revealed. “So simula noong bata ako kasama ko na lola ko siya na nagpalaki saming magkakapatid kaya masasabi kong close ako sa lola ko and lola’s boy talaga ako.”

Abando recalled the sacrifices his grandmother made for their family. She wasn’t just a matriarch; she was the cornerstone of his life. 

“Nakita ko lahat nang sakripisyo niya para samin kaya super love na love ko yung lola ko na yun,” he said with emotion.

Despite the weight of grief on his shoulders, Abando chose to remain with his team. 

He continues to play not only for his teammates but for the memory of his lola and the family who needs him now more than ever.

“Laking tulong na lang din sa akin ang laro, kahit paano nakakalimutan ko yung bigat ng nararamdaman ko,” he said, although the emotional toll was hard to ignore.

With his family’s sacrifice always in the back of his mind, Abando channels his pain into motivation. 

The 26-year-old forward knows that his success in Dubai isn’t just for himself, but for the loved ones who helped shape him into who he is today.

“Ginagawa ko kasi to para sa pamilya ko hindi lang para sa sarili ko, gusto ko maranas sila nang magandang buhay eh lalo na yung lola and mama ko. Dami nilang sinakripisyo para samin. Pero goal parin dito is mag champion. We are on the same page!”

Now, as Strong Group prepares for their quarterfinal match against Sharjah, Abando is determined to finish what they started. 

For him, the championship isn't just about the trophy; it’s about honoring the legacy of his lola and making her proud from afar.