When Tim Cone selected Johnny Abarrientos as the third overall pick in the 1993 PBA Rookie Draft, the American mentor had to move pieces to make way for the entry of future great point guard in the history of the game.
He had to shift Frankie Lim, his former lead guard, to the old Purefoods franchise, knowing fully well that Abarrientos is going to dominate the game.
Such similar case happened right before Draft Day as Ginebra opted to trade its main man up front, Christian Standhardinger, and veteran guard Stanley Pringle to Terrafirma for previous top overall rookie pick Stephen Holt and young big man Isaac Go.
But the clincher in the trade is the No.3 selection, which was obtained by the Gin Kings and they exercised it by picking Abarrientos.
Call it a coincidence, it was his uncle, Johnny, who came on stage the moment RJ’s name was called.
On Monday, the young Abarrientos was signed to a three-year deal by the league’s most popular team.
Abarrientos is fresh from a stint in the William Jones Cup where he played for eventual champion Strong Group Athletics.
According to Cone, RJ is somebody Ginebra couldn’t pass up, which is why he was selected at No.3.
Although his uncle throws a big shadow on him, Cone expects the young Abarrientos to be his own man and the two-time grand slam coach has high hopes on the rookie.
“It’s too early to tell at this point,” wrote Cone in a Viber message to Pinoystep.com when asked about some of the extraordinary things he had seen on the young player.
“We’ve only had him for less than a handful of practices, but so far, he’s been spectacular.”
Cone had shown the same faith on the other newcomers picked up by the team from the trade.
“At first glance, I would describe Stephen as a player who plays with intelligence. He’s a smart and instinctual and a terrific worker. I think Ginebra fans would love him,” added Cone.
