By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The trio of Rhenz Abando, RJ Abarrientos, and SJ Belangel represented the Philippines in convincing fashion after reigning supreme during the Korean Basketball League (KBL) modified 3×3 All-Star game held at the KT Sonicboom Arena in Suwon, Korea.
KBL’s modified 3×3 All-Star event featured a five-minute game unlike the usual 10-minute duration under the standard rules.
Despite the short window of time to put up points, the Filipino trio used their quickness and chemistry to outduel Korea’s Byeon Junhyeong, Lee Junghyun, and Kim Sunyhung, 13-7.
The guard duo of Abarrientos and Belangel opened team PHL’s fireworks after taking on their men mano-a-mano at the top of the key.
Abando then knocked down several catch-and-shoot perimeter jumpers to help team PHL establish a 7-4 lead with only 2:36 remaining.
Team Korea revised their strategy and opted to use their size advantage by posting up in the shaded lane but the Filipinos’ quick response became the story of the final stretch.
Every time the Koreans converted on their bully ball underneath, Abarrientos and Belangel were always ready to find the mismatches and scored at will.
Abando put on the finishing touches to stretch their lead while the former Gilas Pilipinas point guards iced the game with a couple of floaters at the top of the key.
It was an impressive All-Star outing for the Filipinos after Abando was also hailed as the KBL Slam Dunk king.
Abando pulled off a set of jaw-dropping slamma jammas from the first round to the championship stage and edged the three Koreans who also participated in the event.
The championship round was a walk in the park for the former Gilas Pilipinas young cadet who completed an emphatic windmill dunk in his first attempt.
