Memphis, TN / Manila, PH – Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant has thrown his considerable weight behind Filipino basketball standout Renz Abando, publicly endorsing him for a potential NBA opportunity following Morant’s impactful visit to the Philippines.
Morant, known for his electrifying play and keen eye for talent, singled out Abando as one of the players who “really stood out” during his interactions and activities in the basketball-crazed nation. The experience left such an impression on the All-NBA guard that he’s now looking to leverage his influence within the Grizzlies organization.
**”Yes, I would like to help Renz,”** Morant stated unequivocally. He elaborated, drawing on his experience as a franchise cornerstone: **”I have enough experience for my team, the Memphis Grizzlies, to make a suggestion that I think will help their campaign.”**
Morant’s belief in Abando’s potential isn’t just casual praise. He sees a tangible pathway for the high-flying Filipino guard/forward. **”Ja Morant believes that Renz Abando has a place in the NBA if he is given the chance,”** sources close to the player confirmed.
Understanding the competitive nature of the league, Morant proposed a practical first step. His plan? To advocate for Abando to receive a trial run with the Grizzlies. **”According to Ja, he will try to suggest hiring Renz Abando to start on a 10-day contract first depending on his performance,”** the report detailed. This is a common NBA mechanism for teams to evaluate talent outside their immediate roster, offering players a short-term opportunity to prove their worth.
**Why Abando Impressed:**
Renz Abando, 25, is no stranger to high-level competition. The 6’2″ dynamo, known for his explosive athleticism, defensive intensity, and highlight-reel dunks, has been a star in the Philippine collegiate leagues and the Korean Basketball Association (KBA). He was the KBA Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in 2023, showcasing his two-way potential. His relentless energy and fearless style of play clearly resonated with Morant during their time together in the Philippines.
**What This Means:**
* **For Abando:** This is a monumental endorsement from one of the NBA’s brightest stars. A potential 10-day contract with the Grizzlies, even just for training camp or preseason consideration, would be a massive step towards his NBA dream and a chance to showcase his skills on the world’s biggest basketball stage.
* **For the Grizzlies:** Morant’s suggestion adds an intriguing name to their talent evaluation pool. While no guarantees exist, exploring international talent, especially one personally vouched for by their franchise player, is a low-risk, potentially high-reward move.
* **For Philippine Basketball:** Morant’s public backing of Abando is a huge boost for the sport in the Philippines. It validates the talent emerging from the country and fuels the aspirations of countless young Filipino players dreaming of the NBA. It follows the trail blazed by players like Jordan Clarkson and Jalen Green (Filipino heritage).
**The Road Ahead:**
While Ja Morant’s endorsement is powerful, the NBA path remains incredibly challenging. Abando would need to impress significantly during any workout or potential 10-day stint to earn a longer look. However, having an advocate like Morant within the Grizzlies organization undeniably opens a door that was previously firmly shut.
The basketball world, especially in the Philippines, will be watching closely to see if Morant’s suggestion gains traction and if Renz Abando gets his shot to prove “Ja” right and fulfill his NBA destiny. One thing is certain: Ja Morant saw something special in Renz Abando, and he’s willing to put his reputation on the line to help him succeed.
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