Gilas Pilipinas meets familiar face in Rhenz Abando in Korea

KBL standout Rhenz Abando and Gilas Pilipinas players bound for the Asian Games. –ADRIAN NOCUM

MANILA, Philippines— Gilas Pilipinas saw a familiar face in Korea during its preparation for the 2026 Asian Games.

In a Facebook post by Adrian Nocum, the Nationals were seen dining with Anyang JKJ’s Filipino import and former Gilas swingman Rhenz Abando.

READ: Gilas Pilipinas at Asian Games 2026: What you need to know

“Kain po tayo,” wrote Nocum in a post that also featured Converge twin towers Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar, Barangay Ginebra’s RJ Abarrientos and San Miguel Beer’s Don Trollano.

Nocum’s post gained traction among netizens, with some even speculating that Abando could be a last-minute addition to Gilas to replace the questionable Justin Brownlee.

No such news, however, has been confirmed, as the meal was simply a reunion since Abando is staying in Korea for his stint in the KBL.

Abando last suited up for Gilas in the 2023 Fiba World Cup.

Coincidentally, Nocum and Abando’s meeting was an NCAA reunion of sorts, as they faced each other in the Season 97 Finals between Mapua and Letran.

Since then, Abando joined the KBL, while Nocum declared for the PBA Draft before ultimately being selected by Rain or Shine.