Top rookie award only a bonus for RJ Abarrientos, eyes championship with Ginebra

After notching the second Rookie of the Year award of his career, RJ Abarrientos aspires for bigger things with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

Team success remains the most important for Abarrientos, who averaged 12.7 points, 3.6 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game last season.

“Ito bonus lang sa akin na makakuha ng individual awards,” Abarrientos said. “Pero for me, bigger picture mas gusto ko, siyempre makakuha ng championship with the Ginebra team.”

Abarrientos, who was awarded top rookie on Sunday, had already notched the award in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) in 2023.

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‘PAKITA MO, RJ 😤

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s RJ Abarrientos takes home the PBA Season 49 Rookie of the Year title at the Leo Awards after a stellar debut season!#LeoAwards #PBA50 #PBA50LID pic.twitter.com/kdmEgtgI6X

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) October 5, 2025

After his coronation, Ginebra opened the league’s historic 50th season with a loss after faltering to new head coach LA Tenorio and the Magnolia Hotshots, 80-73, in the Manila Clasico. The former FEU standout tallied 11 points

The 26-year-old said the loss was bittersweet after his Rookie of the Year win, but he remained confident that the Gin Kings could bounce back.

“Siyempre unacceptable ‘yung pagkatalo namin. Pero marami pang games, so kailangan lang namin makabawi,” he said.

Ginebra will chase its first win against the TNT Tropang 5G at the Smart Araneta Coliseum next Wednesday, Oct. 15.

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