SUWON, South Korea — The Philippines will be without KBL standouts Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao for this week's exhibition series against South Korea, but one familiar face is back.

Former Ulsan Hyundai Mobis guard RJ Abarrientos has returned to Korea, this time wearing the colors of Gilas Pilipinas.

The Philippines will face South Korea in a two-game exhibition series on Sept. 4 and Sept. 6 at KT Sonicboom Arena in Suwon as part of its preparation for the 2026 Asian Games.

Although the Philippine Basketball Association has yet to officially announce its final roster, all 11 players participating in the exhibition are expected to be included on the Asian Games squad.

Abarrientos is among them.

The 2022-2023 KBL Rookie of the Year spent one memorable season with Hyundai Mobis, averaging 13.6 points, 4.8 assists, 2.9 rebounds, 2.7 made three-pointers and 1.4 steals in 51 games while helping the club reach the playoffs.

He also became the first international player in KBL history to win Rookie of the Year, earning an All-Star selection along the way.

This marks Abarrientos' first trip back to Korea since leaving the league.

"It honestly feels like coming home," Abarrientos said after Wednesday's practice. "I remember the fans, my former teammates and all the great memories I had here. It's special to come back and represent the Philippines against Korea."

Several familiar faces remain on the Korean national team.

Former Hyundai Mobis teammates Jang Jae-seok and Lee Woo-seok are still around, although Lee is currently fulfilling his military service with Sangmu.

"I actually saw Woo-seok in the hallway earlier," Abarrientos said with a smile. "We greeted each other, and there were so many familiar faces. Even though it's been a while since I left Korea, it almost feels like I've only been away for a week."

KT Sonicboom Arena also holds special memories for the Filipino guard.

On Dec. 27, 2022, he scored a career-high 29 points there while tying his personal best with seven made three-pointers.

When reminded of the performance, Abarrientos laughed.

"I didn't know that," he said. "I only remembered that this was where I made my KBL debut. One thing I always remember about Korea is how great the basketball facilities are. They're among the best I've experienced."

Coincidentally, his KBL debut also came at the same arena on Oct. 15, 2022.

Now, nearly four years later, Abarrientos returns to the building where his Korean professional career began—this time representing his country.

The Philippines enters the Asian Games as the defending champion, having captured its first gold medal in 61 years at the 2022 Hangzhou Games, and will attempt to win back-to-back titles.

Abarrientos is embracing the opportunity.

"It's an honor to compete against the best teams in Asia at the Asian Games," he said. "Playing Korea as part of our preparation is also something I'm excited about. Whenever I wear the national team jersey, I carry great pride, and I'll give everything I have."

Written by Choi Chang Hwan| Photos by JUMPBALL DB and Choi Chang Hwan 
Translation reviewed with the assistance of AI.

 

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