With his fiery shooting and dazzling drives, Filipino import RJ Abarrientos turned the heads of Korean fans enough to be voted to the Korean Basketball League All-Star Game set on Jan. 15.
The former Far Eastern University standout was the lone Filipino and Asian import in the 24-man selection after garnering a total of 48,811 votes to grab the last spot.
Abarrientos has been touted as one of the best rookies so far in the season averaging 13.59 points on a 34.7-percent clip from deep along with 4.94 assists, 3.42 rebounds, and 1.82 steals. He helped Ulsan Phoebus Mobius place second so far in the standings behind Rhenz Abando’s Anyang KGC.
On Saturday, Dec. 17, Abarrientos showed exactly why he was picked for the All-Star game, leading Ulsan to an 89-75 victory over Wonju DB Promy.
Abarrientos fired 21 points and dished out six assists while import Gauge Prim dropped a double-double of 25 points and 16 rebounds.
Fellow Filipino import Ethan Alvano made a good account of himself in the loss finishing with 18 points, eight assists and two rebounds.
Over at the other game, Changwon LG Sakers took down Daegu KOGAS Pegasus, 80-69. Justin Gutang provided a solid line of four points, six assists and five rebounds while SJ Belangel was limited to just five points, two rebounds and two assists.