RJ Abarrientos relishes chance to face Jayson Castro

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ RJ Abarrientos during a game in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—While most players would feel the pressure of facing a PBA legend in the Finals, RJ Abarrientos is simply enjoying the moment.

Abarrientos, set for his third Finals appearance, enters the Commissioner’s Cup championship series with a chance to go head-to-head with PBA legend Jayson Castro.

For some, that would be a daunting challenge. For Abarrientos, it’s a dream come true.

“I still feel like I’m dreaming,” Abarrientos said.

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“I’m grateful that I get to face someone who I only watched before in the Finals. I’m just grateful to face Kuya Jayson. He’s healthy now, he’s back to the Finals and I’m looking forward to that.”

TNT Tropang 5G Guard Jayson Castro during a game in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

The last time the Gin Kings and the Tropang 5G met in the Finals, Castro was sidelined with a patellar tendon injury.

Still, Abarrientos and Castro have already shared the Finals stage. They faced off in last season’s Governors’ Cup, where Castro eventually earned Finals MVP honors.

Rather than seeking payback after losing his first two Finals appearances to TNT, Abarrientos is focused on the opportunity to challenge and learn from one of the league’s all-time greats.

“I’m just very happy and grateful to be here in the Finals to face the guys I looked up to and was just watching when I was a kid,” he said.

Abarrientos and the Gin Kings open their latest Finals showdown against Castro and TNT on Wednesday in Game 1 at Araneta Coliseum.