LAPU-LAPU CITY – Filipino forward Rhenz Abando remained doubtful for the rematch of last year’s Champions Week finale as the Anyang Red Boosters take on the Seoul SK Knights in the semifinals of the East Asia Super League Final Four here at the Hoops Dome on Friday, March 8.

The Red Boosters and the Knights are scheduled to clash in the first offering at 5 p.m. before the still undefeated Chiba Jets take on the Jeremy Lin-led New Taipei Kings in the nightcap at 8 p.m.

“Not sure. Titingnan ko ngayon kung makapag-practice ako,” said Abando when asked whether he will be available for the semifinals showdown.

Although he already made his return in the Korean Basketball League when he helped Anyang take a 92-87 victory against Goyang Sono last Sunday, Abando shared that he was feeling some pain on his back after apparently aggravating the injury after another fall.

“Nung naglaro ako ng Sono game namin wala naman akong naramdaman until sinabayan uli ako bumagsak ako pumalo ako  yun yung iniinda ko ngayon masakit pa rin yung likod ko,” said Abando after the EASL Final Four press conference at the Dusit Thani Hotel.

Anyang was actually being cautious with Abando’s injury but he shared that it was him who insisted to already play after undergoing rehab for his back for a month and getting fit enough to play after two.

“Sa willingness ko rin talaga maglaro and tulungan yung team nagdecide na rin ako (maglaro),” said Abando.

“Actually yung head coach namin sinasabi nya talaga na take time wag muna kung di ka pa  talaga totally healed and nakapag rest pero ako kasi nagsuggest ako na gusto ko na maglaro,” he shared.

Abando hasn’t joined Anyang practice since his return in the KBL and aggravating the injury but he somehow managed to participate in team’s i last practice session at Hoops Dome on Thursday, March 7.