RJ Abarrientos not expecting easy Finals series vs Jayson Castro-less TNT

MANILA, Philippines — Rookie guard RJ Abarrientos isn't expecting a walk in the park for Barangay Ginebra when the team faces TNT in their Finals rematch in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup starting this Friday.

The Gin Kings will go up against a Tropang Giga side that will have an expected manpower disadvantage in the absence of veteran star Jayson Castro.

The nine-time PBA champion recently underwent surgery after sustaining a full patellar tendon tear on his right knee.

The 38-year-old Castro played for the first two games of TNT's semis series versus Rain or Shine, but injured his knee, and will be out for the next nine to 12 months.

Nonetheless, Abarrientos expects the coming best-of-seven Finals series to be a struggle.

"It's still going to be difficult," Abarrientos said in Filipino, who tallied 20 points, 10 assists and four rebounds in Ginebra's clinical 126-99 demolition of NorthPort last Friday to win their semis series, 4-1 en route to sealing a Finals seat.

"Just because kuya Jayson is not playing doesn't mean Talk 'N Text will just give. They will still find ways (to win)," he added.

Of course, the 2023 Korean Basketball League Rookie of the Year learned valuable lessons during his first Finals battle with Castro during the Governors' Cup this conference.

Castro went on to be named Finals Most Valuable Player after leading TNT past Ginebra, 4-2 in the Finals to win back-to-back Governors' Cup championships.

"We're not looking at it as Kuya Jayson is not playing (in the Finals), or this player is tired or injured. But what we are simply focusing on now is our chemistry," explained the third overall pick in the 2024 PBA Rookie draft.

Speaking of chemistry, Abarrientos was referring to the return of Jamie Malonzo and Jeremiah Gray from injuries, while Troy Rosario, the team's free agent pick up add further depth to an already solid Ginebra roster.

The three weren't around when Ginebra lost to TNT in the Governors' Cup Finals.

Abarrientos averaged 13.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists for Ginebra in the playoffs.