Rhenz Abando

Rhenz Abando
Born	(1998-03-11) March 11, 1998 Philippines
Occupation	Professional basketball player
Years active	2018–present
Known for	Playing for Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters in the Korean Basketball League (KBL), NCAA MVP and Rookie of the Year

Rhenz Joseph Mamuyac Abando (born March 11, 1998) is a professional basketball athlete from the Philippines currently playing for the Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters in the Korean Basketball League (KBL).

During his college years, Abando competed with the UST Growling Tigers, where he advanced to the finals of UAAP Season 82 in 2019. Amid a contentious training camp amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he transferred to the Letran Knights. There, he secured the championship in the NCAA Season 97 (2022) and was honored as both NCAA Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Rookie of the Year. In June 2022, Abando opted to forgo his final year of collegiate eligibility and signed with Anyang KGC in the KBL. Throughout his rookie season, he achieved a KBL championship title, won the Slam Dunk Contest, and claimed victory in the 3x3 All-Star Game.

Abando has also donned the national colors for the Philippines national team during the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup and the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

College career

Before joining UST, Abando spent two years playing at Philippine College of Science and Technology in Pangasinan, where he was coached by former Letran Knight Chris Calaguio. He was later recruited by Coach Aldin Ayo to play for the UST Growling Tigers competing in Metro Manila’s UAAP.

UST Growling Tigers

In 2018, Abando redshirted and then participated in the PBA D-League during 2019 with UST. Additionally, he represented UST in the UAAP 3x3 basketball championship for Season 81. Following that tournament, Ateneo standout Thirdy Ravena described him as a "threat to the whole league in the next coming years."

Debut season with UST and Finals run

In their opening game of Season 82, UST attempted a total of 49 three-point shots; Abando himself took 15 attempts, successfully converting five and scoring 22 points in his debut. In a subsequent victory over the UP Fighting Maroons, he contributed off the bench with 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals, earning him the season’s first Player of the Week award. However, during a second-round rematch against UP, Coach Ayo benched him due to distractions related to recruitment but reinstated him after Abando reaffirmed his dedication to UST.

Facing off against the La Salle Green Archers, Abando hit three consecutive three-pointers in the fourth quarter to reduce a ten-point deficit down to one. In the step-ladder semifinals against the FEU Tamaraws, Abando and Renzo Subido combined for back-to-back threes that helped secure their victory. During their next challenge against UP—who held a twice-to-beat advantage—Abando led scoring alongside Soulemane Chabi Yo with 17 points in Game 1, forcing a decisive match. He then added 11 points and nine rebounds in Game 2 as UST completed an upset.

In the Finals series, UST was swept by the Ateneo Blue Eagles in two games. Over 18 games that season, Abando averaged 11.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and led his team with 1.3 blocks per game while playing just over 23 minutes off the bench.

Sorsogon Training Controversy

In 2020, despite the prohibition on amateur sports amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the UST men's basketball squad conducted a secretive training camp in Sorsogon. The existence of this "bubble" camp was revealed in September. Among those who voiced concerns about the substandard conditions was Abando, who highlighted that ill players were left unattended by the staff. Foreseeing possible disciplinary actions against UST, Abando and six other teammates transferred to different institutions. Subsequently, Coach Ayo tendered his resignation and faced an indefinite suspension from the UAAP.

Letran Knights Era (2020–2022)

Together with fellow UST players Ira Bataller and Brent Paraiso, Abando made a move to the reigning NCAA champions, the Letran Knights. Other universities such as San Beda University, Adamson University, and National University also pursued him. He ultimately selected Letran, attracted by the NCAA's competitive talent pool, the opportunity to avoid facing UST in the UAAP, and reassurances from Coach Bonnie Tan that he would be satisfied with his choice. Prior to the NCAA season, he competed for the San Juan Knights during the inaugural Filbasket tournament.

Championship Triumph with Letran

Heading into Season 97, the Knights were considered top contenders for the title. In his debut, Abando posted 19 points, eight rebounds, four blocks, and three assists against the CSB Blazers. He followed this with 11 points in a victory over the Arellano Chiefs before delivering 24 points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals against the Perpetual Altas as Letran improved to a 3–0 record. He then led with 18 points and nine rebounds in a win against San Sebastian Stags that secured a twice-to-beat advantage. The Knights completed an undefeated elimination round by defeating the San Beda Red Lions.

In the Final Four matchup against Perpetual Altas, Abando spearheaded Letran’s victory with 24 points, advancing them to the Finals. During Game 1 of the Finals, he contributed 13 points and seven rebounds but suffered a foot injury following an impressive dunk; nevertheless, he returned to help clinch the win. The injury was confirmed not to be a fracture, allowing him to recover fully. Prior to Game 2, Abando earned MVP honors—becoming the 11th player from Letran to receive this distinction and the first since Raymond Almazan in 2013—as well as Rookie of the Year recognition. He joined three others as recipients of both awards simultaneously and was named to the Mythical Team alongside teammate Jeo Ambohot. In Game 2’s fourth quarter, he scored eight of his total 14 points to lead Letran to their 19th NCAA championship while completing a flawless 12–0 season sweep.

Abando capped off his collegiate season by participating in the NCAA All-Star Game and was honored with a Resolution of Congratulations and Commendation from the La Union Provincial Board for his outstanding accomplishments.

Anyang KGC / Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters (2022–2024)

On June 28, 2022, Abando inked a contract with Anyang KGC of the Korean Basketball League (KBL). Initially intending to return for his final year at Letran, he reconsidered after an impressive showing against Korea’s national team. While Coach Tan endorsed this career move, he criticized Anyang for failing to coordinate with Letran prior to signing Abando. The agreement was valued at 237 million KRW (approximately 13.89 million PHP) for its first year.

Abando’s debut in the KBL Cup on October 3, 2022, was modest—scoring two points but missing six field goal attempts. He quickly improved by contributing 19 points in a victory that propelled Anyang into the semifinals. After sitting out the season opener due to hip soreness, he made his regular season debut on October 30 with six points and four rebounds in just ten minutes of play. This was followed by a breakout performance featuring 20 points, six blocks, and three rebounds in a win over Wonju DB Promy, then another strong game tallying 17 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks against Changwon LG Sakers. In an 89–77 victory over Suwon, he added 15 points along with a game-high four blocks.

Abando reached a personal best by scoring 30 points versus the Seoul SK Knights, although Anyang narrowly lost by one point. He subsequently experienced a scoring drought with five consecutive games under five points before rebounding with 15 points in a triumph over Seoul and then posting 20 points against fellow Filipino import RJ Abarrientos and Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus. On January 15, 2023, he captured both the Slam Dunk Contest title and triumphed in the 3x3 All-Star Game alongside Abarrientos and SJ Belangel. Abando played a key role in Anyang’s conquest of the 2023 EASL Champions Week pre-season tournament by contributing 11 points and two rebounds.

In March, despite an 82–79 loss to Seoul Samsung Thunders, he scored an impressive 28 points. Anyang concluded the regular season holding the league's best record for a second time. Although his playing time diminished during playoffs, he helped guide Anyang to the Finals. In Game 2 of that series, Abando recorded 18 points, four rebounds, and three assists to even up the matchup. Game 4 saw him start and deliver an outstanding performance with 22 points—including four three-pointers—five rebounds, three blocks, and two assists without committing turnovers across more than 35 minutes. Despite Seoul leveling the series at two games apiece, Abando contributed defensively with ten rebounds and six blocks in Game 5 while scoring only four points. In Game 6’s crucial moments, he executed an important and-one play that fueled a comeback victory forcing a decisive Game 7. Although scoreless in that final contest, his defensive efforts helped Anyang secure its fourth KBL championship.

During the following season (2023–24), while competing against Goyang Sono Skygunners, Abando suffered multiple injuries including fractures to his third and fourth lumbar vertebrae, a sprained wrist, and concussion after falling backward on court. After sitting out for eighteen games due to these injuries, he returned on March 3, 2024—contributing 17 points along with four rebounds and three assists during a win over Goyang. Despite his efforts, Anyang ended up second-to-last that year. Following this campaign, Abando announced that he would not be re-signing with the team.

Free agency (2024–2025)

Abando opted out of the PBA season 49 draft with the intention of securing a contract abroad. During this period, he competed with the Philippine-based non-league squad Strong Group Athletics (SGA) at the 2024 William Jones Cup held in Taiwan, but unfortunately sustained a hand injury after four games. Although he received proposals from teams in South Korea, Japan, the Dominican Republic, and the ABA League, none of these offers came to fruition.

In January 2025, Abando returned to SGA for the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship and played a key role in their undefeated run at the 2025 William Jones Cup.

Return to Anyang (2025–present)

Following his impressive showing at the Jones Cup, the Red Boosters confirmed Abando’s comeback to their roster.

National team career

In 2022, Abando donned the jersey of the Philippine national team during friendly matches against Korea and participated in the third window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup qualifiers. Originally listed as a reserve for the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup, he was elevated to the active roster after a teammate’s injury withdrawal. Despite his efforts, the team did not advance to the quarterfinal stage.

Abando was named in both the preliminary 21-man pool and the final 12-player squad for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. After limited playing time early on, he contributed eight points and two blocks against Italy, then led all local scorers with 14 points and grabbed five rebounds in Gilas’ victory over China.

In 2025, Abando earned a spot in the national pool for the upcoming 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, but was unable to attend training sessions due to his obligations with the 2025 Jones Cup.

Korean Basketball League (KBL)

|- | align="left" | 2022–23 | align="left" | Anyang | 50 || 19.4 || .474 || .356 || .740 || 2.7 || 1.0 || .5 || 1.0 || 8.5 |- | align="left" | 2023–24 | align="left" | Anyang | 30 || 24.1 || .464 || .200 || .823 || 4.3 || 1.1 || .8 || 1.0 || 9.9

College

As recorded at the conclusion of Season 97 |- | align="left" | 2021–22 | align="left" | Letran | 12 || 18.8 || .396 || .259 || .843 || 6.8 || 1.7 || .8 || 1.2 || 15.6 |-class=sortbottom | align="center" colspan=2 | Career | 12 || 18.8 || .396 || .259 || .843 || 6.8 || 1.7 || .8 || 1.2 || 15.6

Personal life

Abando has a brother named Jorel. He is currently in a relationship with Rizyl Diamante.

External links

• Player profile on the KBL official site