Far Eastern University guard RJ Abarrientos felt the thrill and excitement after facing fellow Gilas Pilipinas stalwarts Dave Ildefonso, Ange Kouame, and SJ Belangel despite taking a 79-70 loss against Ateneo in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 84 men's basketball at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Tuesday, March 29.
Abarrientos has been looking forward to clashing with his fellow national team members knowing how competitive the match would emerge with the Eagles being the reigning champions of the UAAP.
"Siyempre nakaka-miss (Of course, I miss my Gilas teammates)," said the 5-foot-11 Abarrientos. "Unang-una, 'yong samahan namin sa Gilas... naging part ng Gilas sila Dave, SJ, and more. Siguro naging excited ako dahil alam ko gaano sila ka-competitive maglaro individually. (We shared a bond as Gilas players, guys like Dave and SJ. I was excited because I know how competitive they are individually)
READ: Ildefonso credits Baldwin, Gilas system for easier transition in Ateneo homecoming
"Alam ko na din na ang Ateneo is one of the best teams sa collegiate kaya sobrang nakaka-excite (I also know the fact that Ateneo is one of the best teams in the collegiate scene)," added the FEU speedy playmaker, who is the nephew of PBA legend Johnny Abarrientos.
The 22-year-old Abarrientos also shared a light moment and exchanged pleasantries with Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin, who was then calling the shots for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers last year.
More than that, Abarrientos not only expressed gratitude to Baldwin but also to the UAAP for giving him the opportunity to experience competitive basketball against his Gilas teammates.
Baldwin, for his part, commended Abarrientos for leading the Tamaraws especially after producing consistent numbers the past two games.
In his UAAP senior's debut, Abarrientos posted 18 points and five rebounds in FEU's 76-51 blowout win against University of the Santo Tomas and 16 points, five rebounds, and three assists against the Eagles.
Baldwin has seen more to what Abarrientos can bring after witnessing his capabilities and playing style under the Gilas program.
READ: Gilas stint huge boost for Abarrientos' transition to UAAP
"RJ is RJ, you know," said the three-time UAAP champion coach," He makes tough shots, he finds ways to be productive offensively. We did a good job in the first half, we held them over four points but you know, he comes out with a tremendous amount of confidence, a tremendous amount of talent, and he's a shot-maker. He did that in the second half and it causes a lot of problems ."