PRIOR to reaffirming his commitment to the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, Rhenz Abando was being desperately poached away by another UAAP school in exchange for lavish offers.
A source told the Buzzer Beater recently that the desperate UAAP school have assigned one of its assistant coaches, a former PBA great, to constantly communicate with Abando in hopes to changing the latter’s mind.
“Desperado talaga ‘yung (UAAP school) na makuha si Rhenz,” said a source who requested anonymity. “Actually, March pa lang kinakausap na nila ‘yung bata na gusto nga nila kunin.”
“Yung assistant coach nila (na former PBA player) ‘yun ang buyo ng buyo kay Rhenz na umalis sa UST at binigyan pa ng matinding offer kaya nasabi ni Rhenz sa teammates niya na ang laki ng offer ni (desperate UAAP school) sa kanya,” added the source.
The said offer from the desperate UAAP school on Abando reportedly went up to the tune of P3 million aside from a secured job to his relative who was working overseas.
“Nagtatatalo sila this UAAP season kaya naging desperado sila na makuha si Rhenz kaya kahit midseason nilatagan nila ng kontrata yung bata. Dun na nagsimula ‘yung gulo.”
Some incidents took place since then which led to Abando being reportedly sent off to UST’s quarters and to the Pangasinense forward being benched in Growling Tigers’ match against the University of the Philippines Maroons on Wednesday.
The tension, however, died down on Thursday following Abando’s meeting with Tigers head coach Aldin Ayo as well as the fathers of the University leading him to reaffirming his commitment with UST.
The reaffirmation was a welcome sight for the Tigers team as Ayo has been high on Abando even describing him as “something to watch for the Thomasians” when he got the lanky forward last year.
“Welcome development talaga para sa UST na nag-stay si Rhenz dahil key piece din siya sa future ni coach Aldin,” the source said. “Nakakalungkot lang kung bakit kailangan pang mamirata ng player ng desperate UAAP team.”
The source added: “Ang dami-dami nilang players sa high school na soon aangat din sa college team nila. Ano gagawin nila kay Rhenz kung sakaling nakuha nila? Parang masyado na silang suwapang.”
“At kay assistant coach naman, ang taas taas ng tingin sa kanya ng basketball fans, huwag naman niya sanang sirain lang sa pagiging pambansang pirata ng mga collegiate players.”/PN
