Milwaukee Bucks Forward Kyle Kuzma Praises Filipino Sensation Rhenz Abando After Workout Saying He Is Almost NBA Ready
The basketball world continues to buzz with excitement as Filipino star Rhenz Abando inches closer to fulfilling a lifelong dream — reaching the NBA. This week, the spotlight turned even brighter when Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma praised Abando after a private workout session. For Filipino fans across the globe, the recognition from an established NBA player represents more than just a compliment — it signifies that the country’s basketball hopeful may truly be just one step away from playing in the world’s most prestigious league.
Abando’s journey to this moment has been one of resilience, perseverance, and undeniable talent. From his early days as a standout player in the Philippine collegiate basketball scene to his professional stint in the Korean Basketball League, his growth has been evident. Each chapter of his career has only sharpened his skills, built his confidence, and prepared him for the possibility of an NBA breakthrough. To now hear praise from a player like Kuzma — a former NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers and current standout for the Bucks — underscores how far Abando has come and how close he is to realizing his dream.
Kyle Kuzma, known not only for his scoring ability but also for his strong work ethic and championship pedigree, didn’t hold back his admiration for Abando’s game. According to sources familiar with the workout, Kuzma was impressed by the Filipino guard-forward’s athleticism, court awareness, and shooting ability. He reportedly said that Abando plays with fearlessness and determination, qualities that align perfectly with the demands of the NBA. For a prospect who has often been considered underrated compared to American or European peers, Kuzma’s words carry significant weight. They serve as validation that Abando’s skillset belongs on basketball’s biggest stage.
The Filipino basketball community has long been yearning for another player to join the NBA ranks. While Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz proudly represents his Filipino heritage, fans have been eager to see a homegrown talent make it to the league. Abando could be that trailblazer. His story resonates deeply with the millions of basketball-crazed fans in the Philippines, where the sport is woven into the very fabric of daily life. The image of a Filipino-born and trained player suiting up for an NBA team would not only inspire the next generation but also elevate Philippine basketball’s credibility on the global stage.
During the workout, Abando reportedly showed off his versatility, an aspect of his game that has always made him stand out. Standing around 6-foot-3 with impressive leaping ability, he displayed quick cuts to the basket, strong perimeter shooting, and defensive intensity. His ability to guard multiple positions is something NBA scouts value highly in today’s game, where switching defenses and positionless basketball dominate. Kuzma noticed these attributes immediately, and his public praise reflects recognition of Abando’s readiness to contribute in an NBA environment.
For Abando, the path has not been easy. He wasn’t always the most highly recruited prospect, and at times, doubts were cast over his ceiling as a player. But those who have followed his career know that he thrives under pressure and consistently rises to challenges. In the Korean Basketball League, he quickly made a name for himself, dazzling fans with highlight-reel dunks and clutch performances. His time overseas has not only improved his technical skills but also exposed him to the physicality and pace of international basketball — vital experience as he now looks toward the NBA.
Kuzma’s praise does more than highlight Abando’s talent; it also amplifies the growing recognition of international players in the NBA. In recent years, the league has been flooded with stars from all corners of the globe, from European MVPs like Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo to African standouts like Joel Embiid. The NBA has proven to be a melting pot of talent, and the Philippines has every reason to believe that its own representative could soon join that list. With Kuzma vouching for him, Abando’s case becomes stronger than ever.
The timing of this recognition is crucial. NBA teams are constantly on the lookout for under-the-radar talent, especially players who bring unique skills and a hunger to prove themselves. Abando’s athleticism and relentless energy check those boxes. His ability to fit into different roles — whether as a scorer, defender, or spark plug off the bench — makes him a valuable asset in today’s league. What’s more, his marketability as a Filipino player could open doors not only for himself but also for the NBA’s expansion into Southeast Asia. The league has always been mindful of its global influence, and having a Filipino star would resonate deeply with one of the most passionate fanbases in the world.
For Abando, Kuzma’s praise is not a finish line but rather a signal to keep pushing harder. The NBA is a league where nothing comes easy, and every player must constantly prove their worth. However, being recognized by someone who has already reached the pinnacle of success gives Abando both confidence and momentum. His next steps — whether through the NBA Summer League, training camp invites, or direct workouts with teams — will be critical. He must continue to show consistency, refine his skills, and demonstrate that he can adapt to the faster, stronger, and more demanding style of the NBA.
For Filipino fans, this moment is one of immense pride. Social media has already exploded with reactions, with fans celebrating Kuzma’s praise as a monumental acknowledgment of Abando’s potential. The excitement mirrors the energy that surrounded Clarkson’s NBA journey, but with the added emotion of having a player who grew up in the Philippines potentially making the leap. The dream is no longer abstract; it feels tangible, almost within reach. Every dunk, every three-pointer, every defensive stop from Abando carries the weight of a nation’s hopes.
The coming months will be crucial. NBA scouts are already aware of Abando, but Kuzma’s endorsement may accelerate interest. Workouts like these not only showcase skill but also reveal character, determination, and professionalism. Abando has long been admired for his humility and work ethic — traits that coaches love just as much as on-court talent. If he can combine those intangible qualities with the praise of a respected NBA veteran, his path into the league may open sooner rather than later.
It is worth noting that Kuzma himself entered the league as a somewhat overlooked prospect before proving doubters wrong and carving out a successful career. Perhaps that’s why he can see something special in Abando — the same hunger, drive, and underdog mentality. When a player who has walked the difficult path of NBA success recognizes those qualities in someone else, it becomes a powerful endorsement.
As Rhenz Abando stands at the doorstep of NBA history, his story serves as a reminder of what dedication, talent, and belief can accomplish. From the courts of the Philippines to workouts with NBA stars, he has shown that dreams can be chased and achieved. Kyle Kuzma’s praise is not the end of the story but rather a new chapter in a journey that could redefine Filipino basketball. The question is no longer whether Abando can make it to the NBA — it’s how soon he will get there.
For now, fans can only watch, hope, and cheer louder than ever. With each passing day, the possibility becomes more real, the dream more vivid. And as Kyle Kuzma himself has hinted, Rhenz Abando may just be one step away from turning that dream into reality.
