Abando back, De Liaño out in EASL Final Four in Cebu

MANILA, Philippines —  Rhenz Abando, who played well for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA World Cup, makes his anticipated Philippine comeback when his Korean mother club Anyang Jung Kwan Jang sees action in the East Asia Super League (EASL) Final Four tomorrow at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

Abando, who suffered a back injury after a freak fall in the Korean Basketball League, has fully recovered and already suited up for Anyang last week.

The high-flying winger didn’t skip a beat with a smooth outing of 17 points, four rebounds, three assists and four steals in Anyang’s 92-87 win.

He’s all set for homecoming as Anyang meets another KBL team Seoul SK Knights in the Final Four that also features Japan B. league’s Chiba Jets against the New Taipei of the P. League+.

Abando and Anyang, who are already in Cebu, ruled the EASL Champions Week and the KBL last year against Seoul.

Out is Seoul’s Juan Gomez de Liaño, who underwent a season-ending hand surgery.

Anyang takes on Seoul at 5 p.m. followed by the battle between Chiba and New Taipei at 8 p.m. in the knockout semis with the winners duking it out for the crown on Sunday.