Rhenz Abando reaches out to Filipino fans following boos aimed at Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes at the crucial match against Italy.

“Tao lang tayo, nagkakamali. Hindi ito ‘yung right time para sisihin kung sino man. Tao lang tayo, nagkakamali. Pinaglalalaban nya ‘yung bansa natin. Pinaglalaban namin. So dapat, sinusuportahan nyo pa rin siya kasi ayun nga, nagkakamali rin tayo,” said Abando.

Despite a strong start by Gilas Pilipinas and a late rally, the team fell short of causing an upset against the 10th-ranked Italy. In a match held on August 29, 2023, at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City, the visiting team secured a 90-83 victory, advancing to the second round and eliminating the host country.