Despite being among the youngest in the Gilas Pilipinas pool, high-flying guard Rhenz Abando has shown that he belongs with the big guns of the team.

But despite making a name for himself, the soft-spoken Abando, who hails from La Union’s Sto. Tomas town, said in an interview with Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ Carlo Pamintuan, that once upon a time, he did not even think of getting a Gilas call.

“Nung bata ako, hindi naman talaga ako nangarap na, kahit nga makapag-college eh, sa malalaking universities sa Manila. Basta ako, naglalaro lang ako kung saan ako dalhin. Nung nag-college ako, naglaro lang rin ako sa Pangasinan,” he said.

Little did he know that Chris Calaguio, a former Letran star himself, would be guiding him to then become one of the most sought-after collegiate players en route to helping the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers reach the UAAP Finals and leading the Letran Knights to claim the second of three straight championships.

“‘Di rin ako nag-expect eh. Nagkataon lang na si coach Chis Calaguio ‘yung coach ko, so mas naging marami ‘yung experience. Mas advanced ako sa ibang players sa probinsya,” Abando said.

Abando’s rise to the top continued, with the Letran MVP getting his first national team call-up in 2022 and eventually playing and winning another championship in the pro-ranks with Anyang KGC in the Korean Basketball League.

“Basta naglaro lang ako ng naglaro. ‘Di ko rin in-expect na kahit na college, kahit din ‘tong World Cup, ‘di ko in-expect na makakasama ako sa pool,” he said.

And now, while being a part of the Gilas pool for the FIBA World Cup is yet another dream come true, Abando is using this as motivation for him to be listed in the team’s Final 12.

“Talagang sabi ko, kahit anong mangyari, kukunin ko ‘to. Para after ko dito, sabi ko sa mga teammate ko, kahit i-kwento mo ako sa magiging anak mo, or sa magiging apo mo, kasama mo ako noon,” he said.

But Abando also added that he is doing all of these with the country being his top priority.

“Para sa bayan na rin talaga eh,” he said.

“It’s an honor kasi kumbaga World Cup ‘to eh. Kung mapasama man ako sa Final 12, maraming matututunan,” he shared. (ABS-CBN News)