In an unusual feat, Ginebra guard RJ Abarrientos won a Rookie of the Year award for the second time in his professional career.
Abarrientos was named PBA’s top rookie in Sunday’s PBA Leo Awards, two years after winning his first in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) for the Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus, where he made his pro debut.
So it wasn’t surprising that the Far Eastern University product saw his newest trophy as just a ‘bonus’ in his quest to win a PBA championship with the Gin Kings.
‘It’s just a bonus for me to be getting these individual awards,’ Abarrientos told reporters after their 80-73 loss at the hands of Magnolia at Araneta Coliseum on Sunday night.
‘Everyone’s dreaming of getting one, but for me, I’m looking at the bigger picture and I want to win a championship.’
Prior to Ginebra’s season-opening loss to the Hotshots and their newly-minted coach LA Tenorio, Abarrientos was officially awarded the Rookie of the Year plum.
Aside from averaging 12.7 points, 3.6 assists and 2.8 rebounds in his first year in the PBA, Abarrientos also helped Ginebra reach two out of the three Finals series in Season 49.
The 26-year-old Abarrientos dropped 11 points and four assists in the latest chapter of Manila Clasico.
Abarrientos said he expects to have a bigger target on his back in his sophomore season.
‘It (award) gives me motivation because it’s my second since winning in Korea but it’s also pressure because now, players and coaches will be expecting more from me.’