Ginebra’s RJ Abarrientos – PBA Images
Stephen Holt and rookie RJ Abarrientos injecting new blood into Barangay Ginebra’s roster definitely made life easier for Scottie Thompson as the team advanced to the PBA Governors’ Cup finals.
“Nagagawa ko yung mga gusto con gawin sa position ko,” Thompson said ahead of the Gin Kings’ title series against the TNT Tropang Giga, which opens Sunday at Ynares Center. Now I can do what I want to do.” Located in Antipolo City.
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Holt and Abarrientos were among the key players in an offseason trade with Terra Firma, which gave Ginebra away veterans Christian Standhardinger and Stanley Pringle, as well as the Kings’ No. 10 overall pick in the rookie draft. .
Read: 2024 PBA Finals Schedule: Barangay Ginebra vs TNT Tropang Giga
Ginebra acquired Holt and the No. 3 pick in the rookie draft, along with Isaac Goh, who is expected to miss the Finals due to a knee injury suffered last month. Ginebra used the Alaska legend’s nephew to replace Ginebra coach Tim Cone. Johnny Abarrientos.
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Both Holt and Abarrientos were mainstays in the first conference against crowd favorites, especially in the playoffs, where Ginebra returned to the Finals after losing in the semifinals twice the previous season.
two way player
Holt is an important presence on both sides of the ball, especially on defense, and also provides scoring when needed. Now, the 32-year-old, who gained experience in Europe and Australia before joining the PBA last season, is hoping to win a rare championship in a globe-trotting professional career.
“I’m very hungry to win a championship,” Holt said of winning the title with CEZ Nymburg of the Czech National Basketball League. “The last championship was in 2017, so it’s been a long time. So I’m using that as motivation.”
Abarrientos’ experience playing internationally in Japan’s B.League and South Korea’s Korean Basketball League translates to his home country, and his role as a point guard, often as a backup, provides stable offense and timely outings during the playoffs. It led to a side shot.
He scored a career-high 28 points in Ginebra’s Game 5 semifinal victory over San Miguel Beer, a performance that played a major role in him being named the first conference PBA Press Player of the Week. did.
“For me, I’m just fulfilling my rookie duty of providing energy to this team,” Abarrientos said. “We know we have a lot of gunners and great players on this team, so we have to find that balance to help the team.”
Their importance is also reflected in Thompson’s strong performance. Thompson played through a nagging lower back that contributed to Ginebra’s rare Finals absence last season, forcing him to miss Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Latvia.
Has it happened before?
For Thompson, Abarrientos’ role is very similar to the role he played eight years ago, when he was a rookie as Ginebra ended a nearly 10-year wait for a PBA championship with the 2016 Governor’s Cup win. resemble.
“With the addition of new guys like RJ and Stephen, we’re a different team because they’re a big help,” Thompson said. “RJ being a playmaker reminds me of when I had to play that role and defer to LA.” [Tenorio] Focus on other aspects of his game. ”
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Thompson, Abarrientos and Holt hope this arrangement bodes well for the Gin Kings and their annual tradition of collecting championship trophies resumes.
