Korean Basketball League Rookie of the Year RJ Abarrientos is moving to the Japanese B.League after signing a deal with the Shinshu Brave Warriors, the team announced on Tuesday, July 4.

Filipino import RJ Abarrientos moves to Japan. (Shinshu Brave Warriors on Twitter)

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Abarrientos has signed a “basic agreement” with Shinshu, which finished 10th in the standings in the 2022-23 season.

“Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in the activities of the Shinshu Brave Warriors. Shinshu Brave Warriors has reached a basic agreement with Ron Jay Avarientos on a player contract (new) for the B.LEAGUE 2023-24 season,” the team said.

The 23-year-old Abarrientos will be joining fellow Filipino imports in Japan B.League champion Carl Tamayo of the Ryukyu Golden Kings, Dwight Ramos of the Levanga Hokkaido, Thirdy Ravena of the San-En NeoPhoenix, Kiefer Ravena of the Shiga Lakes and newly-signed Gilas young big man AJ Edu of the Toyama Grouses.

Abarrientos was reported to have mutually parted ways with the Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus on Friday, June 30, ending his supposed three-year contract.

After just one season with the Korean team, the one-and-done Far Eastern University Tamaraw standout has already found a new overseas home.

“As Abarrientos requested a transfer to another league, we decided to mutually terminate the contract through an internal decision,” a report from Naver Sports said.

Abarrientos saw action for the Mobis Phoebus in 51 games and averaged a league-high 13.6 points for Asian Quota players apart from 4.8 assists and 2.9 rebounds.

The 5-foot-11 combo guard helped Ulsan Hyundai reach the semifinals of the recent season, where they fell to the Goyang Carrot Jumpers in the winner-take-all Game Five.