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Jayson Castro: RJ Abarrientos is next big thing

Sports | Basketball

Jayson Castro: RJ Abarrientos is next big thing

By Mark Rey Montejo

At A Glance

Veteran guard Jayson Castro sees a lot of promise in Barangay Ginebra rookie RJ Abarrientos.

Veteran guard Jayson Castro sees a lot of promise in Barangay Ginebra rookie RJ Abarrientos.

The TNT playmaker believes Abarrientos has the ability to dominate the league in the future thanks to his court vision, outside sniping, and daredevil drives.

“Mas magaling siya sa akin. Kung makikita nyo ‘yong rookie year ko saka rookie year niya, sobrang mas high level ‘yong pagka-rookie nya eh,” said Castro after the Tropang Giga’s 96-84 win over the Kings Wednesday evening, Oct. 30, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“Given na ‘yon diba? Kasi nakita naman natin si RJ, sobrang galing talaga nya, hindi lang dito pati sa [South] Korea. Sya pa nga ‘yong nag-rookie of the year [do’n], diba?” he added.

The 25-year-old Abarrientos was one of the key players for the Gin Kings since the elimination round, giving huge relief to Scottie Thompson and a complement to resident import Justin Brownlee.

Selected by Ginebra in the first round as third overall pick, the KBL Rookie of the Year displayed tremendous poise despite his limited experience in the local pro league.

“For sure, maraming pahihirapan ‘yong bata na ‘yon. After two to three years, makikita natin kung paano nya i-dominate ‘yong guard position,” the Asia’s two-time best point guard continued.

“Kasi ngayon palang makikita mo na [kung paano siya maglaro],” he added.

Related Tags

RJ Abarrientos TNT Tropang Giga Jayson Castro PBA Governors Cup Ginebra Gin Kings

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