Rhenz Abando will get around 237 million won or P13.89 million in his first season with Anyang KGC Ginseng Corporation in the Korean Basketball League, the highest amount that will be paid by a club team to an Asian import.
The deal involving the former National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Most Valuable Player from the Letran Knights has exceeded the league’s salary cap, according to reports from Korea.
Abando got this agreement with team executives months after he decided to forgo his final year in college.
The league considers this as the highest amount offered to any import or registered Asian Quarter player.
So far, Abando has played 15 minutes 53 seconds in the debut game against Changwon LG in the third period, scoring only two points, a dunk shot.
Abando played in a game which saw Changwon LG Sakers beat Anyang KGC, 89-69, Monday at the start of the 2022 KBL Cup at the Tongyeong Gymnasium on Monday.
Meanwhile, another Filipino import, RJ Abarrientos and Ulsan Hyundai Mobis stormed past SJ Belangel and Daegu KOGAS, a 92-83, to reach the semifinals.
Despite the setback, Phoebus gained a Final Four ticket via quotient system.
Abarrientos shot 15 points and had six assists.
Senegalese import Youssou Ndoye had 22 points and six rebounds with two blocks.