RJ Abarrientos Thrilled to Join Forces with Uncle “The Flying A” at Ginebra

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by Lou Reyes

Ginebra point guard RJ Abarrientos.
Ginebra point guard RJ Abarrientos. Photo: PBA Images.

For RJ Abarrientos, the coming PBA season will be more than just another chapter in his young career—it’s shaping up to be a family affair. The Barangay Ginebra guard now finds himself under the wing of his legendary uncle, Johnny Abarrientos, who recently made the jump to Tim Cone’s coaching staff.

Johnny, famously known as “The Flying A,” spent the last decade helping steer Magnolia from the sidelines. But now, the 1996 PBA MVP is ready to bring his wealth of experience to the crowd darlings of the league, and his presence is set to give RJ an extra boost of confidence heading into his sophomore year.

“Mas madali na para sa akin kasi parang nasa loob ka na ng bahay, anytime puwede kang bigyan ng advice,” RJ said, clearly fired up about the opportunity. “Excited na akong ipakita at ibigay yung best ko, lalo na kasama ko si Tito dito sa Ginebra.”

The timing of Johnny’s move couldn’t have been more dramatic. Just days after LA Tenorio—another Ginebra icon—called it a career to take on the head coaching job with Magnolia, news broke that the elder Abarrientos would be joining the Gin Kings.

RJ recalled he was in Taiwan with his wife when he first heard the news. “Sabi ko nga dati, joke ko lang na sana makapunta si Tito sa amin. Then one day, habang nasa train kami ng asawa ko, biglang nalaman ko official na pala. Hindi ko talaga ma-explain yung emotions ko, sobrang thankful ako,” he shared.

For the younger Abarrientos, the chance to learn directly from one of the greatest point guards Philippine basketball has ever seen is priceless. Ginebra fans, known for their never-say-die spirit, now have even more reason to be excited—because beyond the bloodlines, this partnership brings together experience, mentorship, and the promise of another thrilling season.

If you think RJ showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie year, wait until you see what happens when “The Flying A” starts guiding him from the bench. For Ginebra faithful, the future just got even brighter.