John Abis may have played a limited role during Barangay Ginebra’s championship run, but the rookie forward is savoring every moment of a title experience he waited years to achieve.
Fresh off helping the Gin Kings capture the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup crown, Abis admitted he is still trying to process what it means to become a champion in his first conference in the professional ranks.
“Di ko alam kung anong mararamdaman ko o anong sasabihin ko. Basta thank you Lord lang eh kasi naramdaman ko to, naranasan ko to na mag-champion dito pa sa PBA,” said Abis.
Ginebra secured the championship after defeating TNT Tropang 5G in a do-or-die Finals showdown, ending a three-year title drought and snapping a string of frustrations in import-laden conferences.
For Abis, the achievement carried added significance. The former University of Perpetual Help Dalta Altas standout had previously fallen short of winning championships during his younger playing days, making his first taste of success even more memorable.
“Sobrang lucky ko kasi nakaramdam talaga ako ng champion and first ko pa, then rookie year ko pa,” he said.
The 23rd overall pick in the 2025 PBA Draft was not among Ginebra’s primary scorers, but he provided valuable minutes throughout the conference and Finals whenever called upon by coach Tim Cone.
Abis finished the Commissioner’s Cup with averages of 2.40 points and 1.70 rebounds per game, while earning praise for his hustle plays, defensive effort, and energy off the bench.
OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.
Rookie John Abis is now a PBA champion @gmasportsph @gmanews pic.twitter.com/6xVJM97EPJ
— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) June 17, 2026
The 6-foot-3 forward maintained that his focus remains on contributing to the team in whatever role is needed.
“Gusto ko lang makatulong sa team. Always ready lang kapag tinawag ni coach,” said Abis.
The rookie also acknowledged the role of Ginebra’s passionate fan base in the team’s championship campaign. The Never Say Die faithful packed arenas throughout the Finals and provided the support that helped fuel the Gin Kings’ title charge.
“Sa suporta ng NSD, walang makakatalo sa suporta ng NSD dito. Talagang solid silang sumuporta sa amin. Nagpapasalamat talaga kami sobra kasi grabe yung support nila. Grabe yung atmosphere ng NSD,” he said.
As Ginebra begins preparations for the upcoming Governors’ Cup, Abis vowed to continue bringing the same intensity and work ethic that helped him earn a championship ring in his rookie season.
“Same pa rin. Doon pa rin yung hustle ko. Di mawawala yan. Number one yun. Bibigay ko lang yung best ko. One hundred percent best,” he said.
For a player drafted outside the first two rounds and still carving out his place in the league, the first chapter of Abis’ professional career could hardly have gone better. He arrived as a rookie looking for an opportunity. He finished his first conference as a PBA champion.
Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!
Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.
Leave a Reply