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The high-flying Rhenz Abando. Photo from Strong Group-Philippines
Behind Rhenz Abando's prolific performance in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship is a grieving heart, missing the grandmother he loved the most.
Abando has been spectacular for Strong Group, leading the local scoring with 9.0 points a game.
But days after arriving in Dubai, his beloved grandmother whom he called Lola Ansing, passed away.
The Strong Group-Philippines standout revealed that he grew up without a father figure and was raised by his lola.
“Laking lola ako. Lumaki ako sa pamilyang walang tatay so lola ko naging nanay sa 'min and nanay ko naging tatay para sa 'min,” he said.
“So simula noong bata ako, kasama ko na lola ko. Siya na nagpalaki sa 'ming magkakapatid, kaya masasabi kong close ako sa lola ko and lola’s boy talaga ako.”
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Playing basketball in Dubai, in a way, shifts his focus from the pain he is experiencing right now following the loss of his grandmother.
“Laking tulong na lang din sa akin ang laro, kahit paano nakakalimutan ko 'yung bigat ng nararamdaman ko,” he said.
Abando remains motivated as he channels the pain into inspiration to work and play better.
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“Ginagawa ko kasi 'to para sa pamilya ko, hindi lang para sa sarili ko. Gusto ko maranas nila ang magandang buhay, eh lalo na 'yung lola and mama ko. Dami nilang sinakripisyo para sa 'min," the former University of Santo Tomas stalwart said.
The squad, led by former NBA star DeMarcus Cousins, has clinched the top seed by sweeping its bracket 4-0. The Athletics are now gearing towards a playoff run, where they will face Sharjah Sports Club in the quarterfinals.
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