The Ginebra locker room just got a lot more electrifying. Rising star RJ Abarrientos can barely contain his excitement as he begins a new chapter of his young PBA career—this time with a familiar legend watching his every move: his uncle, Johnny “The Flying A” Abarrientos.
After a decade of molding champions as an assistant with Magnolia, the 1996 PBA MVP has joined Tim Cone’s coaching staff at Barangay Ginebra, setting the stage for a special uncle-nephew partnership fans can’t wait to see unfold.
For RJ, the timing couldn’t be more perfect.
“It’s like we’re under the same roof now. Mas madali na akong mabigyan ng pointers at advice anytime,” said the incoming sophomore guard. “Excited na akong ibuhos ang best ko lalo na ngayon na kasama ko na si Tito sa Ginebra.”
The news came as a pleasant shock. RJ was on vacation in Taiwan with his wife when word reached him that his childhood idol—and longtime inspiration—was officially headed to the Gin Kings’ camp.
“I used to joke about it, telling him ‘Sana mapunta ka sa amin.’ And then suddenly, habang nasa train kami ng asawa ko sa Taiwan, I got the confirmation. Official na si Tito sa Ginebra,” RJ shared, still in disbelief. “Hindi ko ma-explain yung emotions ko. Sobrang thankful lang na magkasama na kami.”
Johnny’s arrival coincides with the departure of LA Tenorio, who retired after 19 memorable seasons and is now taking the reins as head coach of Magnolia in the league’s milestone 50th season.
For RJ, this isn’t just about family ties—it’s about legacy, pride, and the chance to learn daily from one of the greatest to ever play the game. And with “The Flying A” now guiding him from the sidelines, Abarrientos is ready to soar even higher.
