Ginebra guard RJ Abarrientos won his second Rookie of the Year award in his professional basketball career on Sunday during the 49th Season PBA Leo Awards held in Manila, Philippines.
Previously, Abarrientos earned the same accolade two years ago in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) while playing for Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus.
Abarrientos achieved this distinction after outperforming competitors including Rain or Shine’s Caelan Tiongson and Phoenix’s Kai Balunggay. The awards ceremony took place as part of the PBA’s annual recognition event honoring top performers in the league.
The PBA Leo Awards also saw June Mar Fajardo secure his ninth Most Valuable Player (MVP) title, a record in the PBA. The awards are named after the league’s first commissioner, Leo Prieto, and celebrate exceptional achievements in the sport.
RJ Abarrientos expressed his aspiration to win a championship title following his latest Rookie of the Year win. This ambition aligns with Ginebra’s ongoing pursuit of success in the PBA season.
Abarrientos’s performance in the PBA has been marked by significant contributions, making him a critical player for Ginebra. His ability to secure two Rookie of the Year titles in different leagues highlights his talent and potential in professional basketball.
