Far Eastern University standout Rhon Jay Abarrientos is set to skip his final years with the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball competitions.
The nephew of Philippine basketball great Johnny Abarrientos got the eye of the Korean Basketball League club team Ulsan Hyundai Mobis, while the Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball team is in Korea playing a series of tuneup games with the Korean national quintet.
The Ulsan Hyundai Mobis is in talks with Abarrientos, and is preparing to sign him up for the 2022-2023 season of the KBL.
According to reports from the Korean community, Abarrientos is finalizing an Asian Quarter player contract in the league that will allow him to play in the KBL for two years.
Hyundai executives reportedly took notice of Abarrientos after Gilas’ second tuneup game with Team Korea.
Abarrientos was impressive after scoring 11 points, which included three three-pointers in the first half.
They noted that in the fourth quarter, Team Korea barely held the lead with Abarrientos leading Gilas on the floor.
After he shot two three-pointers, he and Dwight Ramos took charge for the Philippine team in the final minutes.
Another Korean team is also looking at William Navarro, who has reportedly been approached for a contract with Seoul Samsung.
Earlier this week, Daegu Korea Gas Corporation reinforced its roster when it signed up Ateneo Blue Eagle cager Sam Josef Belangel to a two-year contract.
The 22-year old Belangel, who still has two playing years left with the Blue Eagles, is in Korea with the Gilas, but did not see action because of an injury.