Rhenz Abando still recovering from injury, excited in Manila return

Filipino import Rhenz Abando said he is still recovering from the injury he sustained against Chinanu Onuaku in the Korean Basketball League last month.

Speaking to the press a day before the Anyang Jung Kwang Jang Red Boosters' game in the East Asia Super League against TNT Tropang Giga, Abando said he will still undergo another test when the team returns to Korea.

"Right now mas okay na ako, parang almost four weeks na akong nagpapahinga. Hindi ko pa masasabi kung kailan pero kailangan ko pa ulit ng two weeks para magpakondisyon. Pagbalik namin ng Korea, magpapa-CT scan ako ulit and doon ko masasabi kung kailan ako makakabalik. Right now hindi ko pa alam kung kailan," Abando said, adding that he is still feeling some pain in his back from time to time.

[Right now, I'm doing better. It's been about four weeks that I've been resting. I can't say when but I need two weeks to get back in shape. When we return to Korea, I'll undergo a CT scan again and that's when we can say when I can return. Right now, I don't know when I can return.]

After sustaining the injury, it was reported that his camp had been mulling whether to take legal action regarding the incident. However, Abando said it will not be pursued.

"Nabanggit lang sa akin ng agent 'yan, pero pinag-usapan namin. Sabi ko hindi ako mag-ano (file)."

[My agent just mentioned that to me, but we spoke and I said I would not file.]

For Abando, he would rather move on from the situation.

"'Yun na 'yung naging hatol nila so mag-stick na rin ako doon. Nangyari na eh," he said when asked about fans' protests.

[That's what the decision is so I'll stick by it. It happened already.]

With another FIBA window coming as Gilas Pilipinas is expected to compete in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, Abando said he would rather be at his best if and when he will be called up for another stint with the national team.

"Katapusan ng February, 'yun lang naman hinahabol ko eh. Siguro pagbalik namin ng Korea, magpapa-CT scan ako and then doon ako mag-start ng paunti-unting workout. Di ako babalik nang mamadaliin ko, kasi mas pipiliin ko 'yung long term kesa sa FIBA na ano. Aanhin ko kung makakapaglaro ako ng FIBA pero di ako 100%, baka ma-cut lang din ako," he added.

[The end of February, that's what I'm aiming for. When we get back to Korea, I'll do the CT scan and start to work out a little. I won't rush my return because I'd rather choose the long-term than to rush for FIBA. There's no point if I can play in FIBA but I'm not 100%, and I might be cut anyway.]

Despite this, Abando is happy to be back home even for just a little while.

"Masaya, at the same time malungkot kasi gustong-gusto ko maglaro eh, pero sayang."

[I'm happy, at the same time I'm a little sad because I really want to play.]

—JMB, GMA Integrated News