🚨BREAKING: Rhenz Abando Signs 10-Day Contract with the Memphis Grizzlies 🔥🇵🇭
In a move that’s sending shockwaves through both the NBA and Philippine basketball communities, Rhenz Abando has officially signed a 10-day contract with the Memphis Grizzlies—becoming the first Filipino-born player to join the franchise in any capacity.
The opportunity sparked after the NBA Manila Tour 2025, where Abando’s high-flying dunks, relentless defense, and fearless play against NBA-level competition caught the attention of several league insiders. But one voice reportedly mattered most: Ja Morant’s.
According to sources close to the Grizzlies, Morant was “blown away” by Abando’s athleticism and work ethic during their practice scrimmages in Manila. “We knew the kid had bounce,” Morant was overheard telling Grizzlies staff, “but the way he reads plays, the way he grinds… he’s built for this.”
Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman confirmed that scouts immediately reviewed footage of the tour after Morant’s recommendation. What they saw—a six-foot-three guard with elite lateral quickness, elite vertical leap, and a defensive motor that never quits—was enough to prompt a 10-day offer, giving Abando a chance to prove himself on the NBA stage.
“He’s not just a highlight machine,” assistant coach Blake Ahearn stated. “He makes winning plays—loose balls, fast breaks, hustle boards. That’s Memphis basketball.”
Abando, who most recently played for Anyang in the Korean Basketball League and lit up international tournaments with Gilas Pilipinas, has long been seen as one of the most exciting young prospects from Southeast Asia. His journey from small-town Pangasinan to the FedExForum hardwood marks a monumental moment for Filipino basketball.
The 10-day contract will begin during the Grizzlies’ West Coast road trip, with Abando expected to suit up against the Sacramento Kings and possibly get rotation minutes due to injuries in the Memphis backcourt.
In his first statement, Abando said: “This is a dream, but I’m here to work. This isn’t about being the first. It’s about proving I belong.”
The Philippines is already erupting with pride, with hashtags like #RhenzToTheNBA and #PusoInTheLeague trending within minutes of the news.
If this is the beginning of something bigger, Rhenz Abando may soon find himself not just with a 10-day deal—but a place in history.
