ANYANG, South Korea — Rhens Abando is back where he believes he belongs.

The Filipino wing officially rejoined Anyang Jung Kwan Jang for the start of preseason training on Tuesday after signing a one-year contract extension, and he made it clear that he has unfinished business.

"I'm really happy to re-sign with Jung Kwan Jang," Abando said. "I'm excited for the new season and grateful to continue playing here. I just want to thank everyone who made this possible."

Jung Kwan Jang opened preparations for the 2026-27 season without several key players. National team members Park Ji-hoon, Byun Jun-hyung and Moon Yoo-hyun are currently away on international duty, while veteran center Kim Jong-kyu continues his rehabilitation after undergoing knee cartilage transplantation surgery in Chicago. Newly acquired forward Lee Dae-heon joined the team following an offseason trade, while Abando participated in training from Day 1.

Abando's second stint with Jung Kwan Jang began under less-than-ideal circumstances last season.

After leaving the club in 2024, he returned on a new contract but arrived late, leaving little time to adjust to head coach Yoo Do-hoon's system. His playing time was limited early, but he gradually found his rhythm as the season progressed.

He finished the regular season averaging 7.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 21.8 minutes over 48 games, helping Jung Kwan Jang exceed expectations by finishing second in the Korean Basketball League standings.

"No one expected us to finish second," Abando said. "I'm proud of what we accomplished, but at the same time I'm disappointed because we didn't win the championship."

"This year I arrived much earlier, so I'll have more time to prepare before our foreign players join us. If we prepare well, I believe we can have an even better season. My goal is simple — win the championship."

Abando will also wear a familiar number again.

After wearing No. 10 last season, he has switched back to No. 12, allowing veteran forward Hur Il-young to take No. 10.

For Abando, No. 12 carries special meaning.

It was the number he wore during Jung Kwan Jang's championship-winning 2022-23 season, and it's one he hopes to keep for years to come.

"I have great memories wearing No. 12," he said. "I'd rather not keep changing numbers because so many fans already own my No. 10 and No. 12 jerseys.:

"A lot of fans bought my No. 12 jersey, so I never really considered wearing another number."

Jung Kwan Jang enters the new season with changes on the wing.

Defensive specialist Kim Young-hyun retired following last season, while So Jun-hyuk moved to Goyang Sono in free agency. That leaves Abando expected to shoulder a bigger role at both shooting guard and small forward.

The 28-year-old believes the team's young core can help fill those gaps.

"I'll definitely miss Kim Young-hyun and So Jun-hyuk," Abando said. "Especially Kim Young-hyun. He taught me a lot and was a great teammate.

"I'll do my part, but if young players like Moon Yoo-hyun and Park Jung-woong continue to develop, I think we'll become an even better team. I'll do everything I can to help this team succeed."

Written by Cho Young-doo | Photos by Moon Bok-joo
This English version has been reviewed with AI assistance.

 

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