RJ’s evolution

Title RJ's Evolution From Shooting Guard to Point Guard Prodigy

As RJ Abarrientos, last season's Rookie of the Year, effortlessly sinks three-pointers with ease, it's impossible not to wonder about his remarkable journey from being a shooting guard to becoming a point guard prodigy. His uncle, the legendary Johnny Abarrientos, shares valuable insights on how RJ transformed his game to succeed in the professional circuit.

Before turning pro, RJ primarily played as a shooting guard, honing his skills as a facilitator secondarily. However, due to his physical limitations, Uncle Johnny advised him to adapt and develop his game to become more of a point guard. This transition wasn't overnight; it took time for RJ to evolve gradually, starting with the younger version of Gilas Pilipinas team coached by Tab Baldwin during the pandemic.

Johnny Abarrientos, the 1996 MVP and key player in Alaska's grand slam campaign that same season, witnessed RJ's growth firsthand. Although he never had the chance to coach RJ personally, he shared valuable advice on pursuing a future in basketball. As an assistant coach at Ginebra, Johnny got reunited with Coach Tim Cone, assigning him to help fast-track RJ's improvement.

In Ginebra's playoff debut against Converge, RJ showcased his scoring prowess, knocking down 6-of-8 three-point shots for a career-high 35 points as the Gin Kings emerged victorious. On Sunday, he'll need to score more, and Coach Cone believes RJ needs to do so while still being a pure point guard.

Coaching RJ was like déjà vu for Coach Cone, who had to remind him that his DNA is to be a point guard and set people up. However, RJ's natural ability as a scorer makes him an exception. Johnny Abarrientos shares the same sentiment He needs to play good defense, and I have that responsibility of helping him become one.

Johnny emphasizes that RJ needs to develop into a tougher defender, citing his own experience as the smallest player but with an edge on the defensive end. As he retired as the all-time leader in steals (1,358) and fourth in assists leaders, Johnny's words echo through the years You cannot dribble in front of me because I would easily take it away.

As RJ blossoms into a future star player, his transformation will only be complete when he becomes a solid two-way player. Will he continue to evolve and become a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court? Only time will tell.

Word Count 470 words

Focus Point None applicable in this context

Keywords RJ Abarrientos, basketball, point guard, shooting guard, Ginebra, Converge, Gilas Pilipinas, Tab Baldwin, Tim Cone

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.