LOOK: Rising NBA Prospect Rhenz Abando Spotted Training With Kyle Kuzma While Working Out For Milwaukee Bucks, Sources Confirm
The world of basketball thrives on stories of determination, opportunity, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. Few tales embody this spirit more than the journey of Rhenz Abando, the dynamic Filipino prospect who has steadily carved out a reputation as one of the most exciting up-and-coming players with NBA potential. Recently, Abando made headlines when he was spotted working out with Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma while participating in a workout session for the Milwaukee Bucks, according to league sources. For Abando, the moment was much more than just an offseason drill—it was a statement that his dream of playing at the highest level of basketball is drawing closer to reality.
Abando’s name has long been familiar to basketball enthusiasts across Southeast Asia. Rising through the ranks of collegiate basketball in the Philippines, he quickly became a household name due to his high-flying athleticism, defensive versatility, and crowd-pleasing highlights. His journey took him overseas, where he excelled in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) with Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters, formerly known as Anyang KGC. While in South Korea, he showcased his ability to adapt to international competition, helping his team secure championships while making waves with his fearless drives to the basket, shooting range, and relentless defense. His time abroad solidified his reputation as a player who could compete beyond regional leagues and potentially make a leap toward the NBA.
Now, as Abando continues to pursue his NBA aspirations, working out with an established NBA player like Kyle Kuzma sends a strong message to fans and scouts alike. Kuzma, known for his scoring ability and championship pedigree with the Los Angeles Lakers before moving to the Wizards, represents the kind of player Abando aspires to emulate—someone who carved a role in the NBA through dedication, versatility, and constant improvement. Training alongside Kuzma not only gives Abando an opportunity to learn from a seasoned professional but also serves as a benchmark of the level of effort and skill required to thrive in the league.
The fact that this workout was conducted under the eyes of the Milwaukee Bucks adds another layer of intrigue. The Bucks, one of the most competitive teams in the NBA in recent years and home to two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, have consistently sought to surround their superstar with talent that complements his game. With a roster that values spacing, defensive toughness, and athletic wings, the Bucks present an ideal environment where a player like Abando could potentially find a role. His ability to defend multiple positions, run the floor, and finish plays in transition could make him a valuable addition to a team that thrives on efficiency and high-level execution. League sources confirm that the Bucks are keeping a close eye on Abando as they continue to evaluate prospects who can strengthen their rotation.
For Abando, moments like these are not simply opportunities—they are auditions. Each drill, each scrimmage, and each interaction with NBA-level coaches and trainers becomes a chance to prove that he belongs. The jump from international basketball to the NBA is steep, and history shows that very few players are able to successfully make the leap. However, Abando’s journey thus far has demonstrated his resilience and willingness to embrace challenges. From overcoming skepticism early in his career to shining under the bright lights of championship games in Korea, he has consistently shown that he thrives when the stakes are highest.
Fans in the Philippines have long championed the idea of seeing a homegrown talent in the NBA, and Abando’s rise has reignited that dream. Basketball in the Philippines is more than a sport—it is a cultural heartbeat, uniting communities and inspiring generations. The success of players like Jordan Clarkson, who represents the Philippines internationally, has provided a glimpse of what Filipino talent can achieve at the NBA level. Abando now stands as the next potential trailblazer, someone who could open the door for more Filipino prospects to chase their NBA ambitions.
The workout with Kuzma and the Bucks also speaks volumes about Abando’s commitment to growth. Training alongside established NBA players provides not only exposure but also invaluable insights into the habits and routines that separate good players from great ones. Kuzma’s career path, from being a late first-round pick to winning an NBA championship, serves as proof that relentless effort and adaptability can pave the way for success in the league. For Abando, learning firsthand from such examples offers lessons that go beyond drills—it reinforces the mindset necessary to thrive in the world’s most competitive basketball environment.
It is worth noting that the Bucks are not the only team monitoring international prospects. The NBA has increasingly expanded its scouting reach, recognizing that talent can emerge from all corners of the globe. In recent years, players from Africa, Europe, Asia, and Oceania have not only entered the league but have also become stars and MVPs. Abando’s opportunity with Milwaukee underscores this global shift, as teams look beyond traditional pipelines to discover untapped potential. Should Abando secure a roster spot or even a two-way contract, it would mark another step forward in the globalization of the NBA.
Still, the path ahead will not be easy. Making an NBA roster requires not only talent but also consistency, mental toughness, and the ability to adapt to the league’s physical and tactical demands. Abando must demonstrate that he can contribute in defined roles, whether as a defensive specialist, energy player, or spark off the bench. The Bucks, like every other NBA team, will be evaluating how his skill set translates to their system and whether he can handle the pace and intensity of NBA-level play. Every shot, pass, and defensive assignment in these workouts becomes part of his resume.
For Filipino fans, the news of Abando’s workout quickly spread across social media, sparking excitement and pride. Many view his progress as a collective victory for Philippine basketball, proof that local talent can rise to international prominence. The idea of Abando sharing the court with stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton feels like a dream that is suddenly within reach. For young players watching from the Philippines, his story is a reminder that dedication, hard work, and belief in oneself can open doors that once seemed unimaginable.
At the same time, the image of Abando training alongside Kyle Kuzma resonates as a powerful symbol of where he stands in his journey. It reflects a transition from being a celebrated player in regional leagues to rubbing shoulders with NBA professionals, preparing for the possibility of the next big leap. Kuzma’s presence not only validates the seriousness of the workout but also elevates the experience for Abando, offering him a chance to test himself against proven talent.
Whether or not Abando ultimately lands a spot with the Bucks or another NBA team, this moment represents progress. It signifies that he is on the radar, that his hard work has brought him into the conversations that matter most. Even if the road takes more twists and turns, the foundation is there, and the potential is undeniable. Abando’s journey serves as a reminder that every step, from local gyms in the Philippines to championship arenas in Korea, builds toward something greater.
As league sources confirm his workout with the Milwaukee Bucks, the basketball world waits with anticipation. Could Rhenz Abando be the next Filipino star to make his mark in the NBA? Can his combination of athleticism, defensive grit, and offensive flair earn him a spot in the world’s premier basketball league? The answers remain to be seen, but one thing is certain: Abando has put himself in the right rooms, alongside the right people, and at the right time. His dream, once distant, now feels closer than ever.
The sight of Abando working out with Kyle Kuzma while being evaluated by the Bucks is more than just a newsworthy moment—it is a glimpse of possibility, a sign of how far he has come and how much further he can go. For now, he continues to grind, to learn, and to chase the dream that has inspired countless young athletes. And if fortune and hard work align, the next time fans see Rhenz Abando, it may very well be in an NBA uniform, standing under the bright lights, ready to make history.
