'Abando-ned?' Fans react to Rhenz Abando's possible exit from UST

MANILA, Philippines — A day after being benched against the UP Fighting Maroons, there were reports that UST rising star Rhenz Abando might be saying goodbye to Espana.

Reports surfaced on Thursday afternoon that other UAAP schools have expressed interest in the guard's talents.

While UAAP athletes transferring schools isn't anything new, doing so during the season is rare.

Understandably, a lot of UAAP fans were surprised at the development.

Taking to Twitter, fans expressed differing opinions.

Twitter user Shoke Martin said that should the rumors be true, Abando's image would be blemished by his decision to transfer schools in the middle of the season.

I feel sorry for Rhenz Abando.

Makalipat man sya ng UAAP School, come PBA, wala na ang tiwala sa kanya ng PBA Coaches dahil meron na syang marka sa UAAP pa lang.

Nasa PBA ang totoong future. Look at Nonoy, pinapagalitan sya ni Kots Ayo kasi umiiscore, since PG sya come PBA.

— Shoke Martin (@Shoke_Martin) October 17, 2019

"Makalipat man siya ng UAAP school, come PBA, wala na ang tiwala sa kanya ng PBA coaches dahil meron na siyang marka sa UAAP pa lang," the tweet read.

@leeannleigh meanwhile, called out the guard for 'lack of heart'.

Rhenz Abando really thinking of transferring UAAP schools during playing season. Guy got lack of heart for the yellow. He should have just waited the end of season.

— Annleigh Lee (@leeannleigh) October 17, 2019

"Rhenz Abando really thinking of transferring UAAP schools during playing season. Guy got lack of heart for the yellow," she wrote.

Twitter user alexcerado mirrored the same sentiments.

Sana man lang tinapos nyo ang season bago kunanin sa amin sa Rhenz Abando.

Yung playing time nya kasi, it could have been given to CJ Cansino or other player.

Yun yung nakakabastos eh. You’ve seen the potential of Rhenz pero hindi nyo man lang nirespeto yung UST

— alexcerado (@alexcerado) October 17, 2019

"Sana man lang tinapos niyo ang season bago kunanin [sic] sa amin sa [sic] Rhenz Abando," he said.

"Yung playing time niya kasi, it could've been given to CJ Cansino or other player," he added.

Twitter user Marco Young questioned Abando's alleged decision, considering that the Growling Tigers were in contention for the title.

If the news about Rhenz Abando wanting to transfer to another school is true, I don't understand why he would want that because UST is one of the teams that have the potential to win a championship after 2-3 years of developing their young core ????

— Marco Young (@marcoyoungggg) October 17, 2019

"I don't understand why he would want that because UST is one of the teams that have the potential to win a championship," he said.

But not all fans were quick to call out Abando for lack of loyalty. Some members of the UAAP community called for encouragement instead.

Appealing to the Thomasian community to send Rhenz Abando words of encouragement and support rather than expressing disappointment and dismay. Di pa nangyayari guys. Let's not push him away. Rather, let's give him enough reason to stay. #OneForUST #GoUSTe

— Aerielle Ruiz (@yellymori) October 17, 2019

"Appealing to the Thomasian community to send Rhenz Abando words of encouragement and support rather than expressing disappointment and dismay," twitter user @yellymori said.

"Di pa nangyayari guys. Let's not push him away. Rather, let's give him enough reason to stay," she added.

Reports were also published that a UAAP school was offering Abando a lucrative amount for his talents, including a house and work for his OFW mother.

Commenter Jemar Paul said he couldn't completely blame Abando if this was true.

Re: Rhenz Abando

It is disappointing, but you can’t completely blame the player. Sad reality is that other schools are capable of offering money (and more). If you had a chance to help your family given the harsh living conditions, wouldn’t you do it?

— Jemar Paul (@Fafajempaul) October 17, 2019

"If you had a chance to help your family given the harsh living conditions, wouldn't you do it?" he said.