Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings' rising star, guard RJ Abarrientos, has been honored as the latest Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Press Corps Player of the Week. The award recognizes his outstanding performance during the league's games from December 25 to 29, 2025.
A Breakout Performance After the Holiday
Following the PBA's holiday break, Abarrientos was instrumental in leading the Gin Kings to a crucial victory. His team successfully eliminated the Converge FiberXers, who held a twice-to-beat advantage, in the quarter-final round of the conference. This pivotal win showcased Abarrientos's critical role in the team's playoff push.
By the Numbers: Abarrientos's Dominant Stats
Over the course of the two-game series against Converge, the young guard put up remarkable numbers that solidified his claim to the weekly award. Abarrientos averaged an impressive 27.5 points per game. He also contributed across the board with averages of 1.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.0 steals, demonstrating his all-around impact on the court.
In a statement published on the league's official website, www.pba.ph, Abarrientos shared his mindset during the high-pressure series. "I reminded myself that I cannot afford to be stagnant or fail to contribute for the team because we are the only ones we can rely on here," the guard said, highlighting his sense of responsibility to his teammates.
Outshining Elite Competition
The race for the weekly accolade was highly competitive. Abarrientos secured the honor by edging out several notable contenders. Among those he bested were his own Barangay Ginebra teammate, Stephon Holt, as well as league giants June Mar Fajardo of the San Miguel Beermen and Chris Newsome of the Meralco Bolts. Topping this field of elite players underscores the significance of his performance during the award period.
This recognition marks a significant milestone in RJ Abarrientos's PBA career, signaling his arrival as a major force for the popular Gin Kings squad. His ability to deliver in a must-win playoff situation bodes well for his team's championship aspirations as they advance further into the conference.
