RJ Abarrientos couldn't wait to buckle down to work with his celebrated uncle Johnny now that they are together at Barangay Ginebra.
The man they call "The Flying A" will now have a direct role in guiding RJ's career after joining Tim Cone's coaching staff following a decade-long stint as an assistant with Magnolia.
"Kumbaga mas madali na magbigay ng pointers kasi parang nasa isang bahay ka na lang. Pwede ka nang sabihan at madali kang bigyan ng advice," the incoming sophomore guard said. "Excited na ako na mas mapakita at mabigay ko ang best ko kasama si tito sa Ginebra."
Johnny's move to the Gin Kings camp came shortly after LA Tenorio ended his 19-year PBA campaign to accept the challenging job as coach of the Magnolia Hotshots starting in the league's 50th season.
RJ was actually on vacation with his wife in Taiwan when he got word that the 1996 Most Valuable Player was on his way to Ginebra.
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"Actually jinojoke ko lang si tito nun na sana mapunta siya sa amin, na magkaroon sana ng way na makapunta siya sa Ginebra," the younger Abarrientos said. "And that time na nasa Taiwan ako, na nasa train kami ng asawa ko nung nalaman namin na official na si tito sa Ginebra.
"Hindi ko ma-ano yung emotions ko at sobrang thankful lang na magkasama na kami ni tito," RJ added. (JT)
