REIGNING two-time NCAA men’s basketball champion Letran is ready to move on without Rhenz Abando, who has signed with Korean Basketball League pro club Anyang Korean Ginseng Corporation on Thursday.

The Knights have expressed their utmost gratitude on Abando for his service to the Intramuros-based school.

“Colegio de San Juan de Letran would like to formally confirm the report that Mr. Rhenz Joseph Abando shall be leaving the fold of our Basketball Team, in order to seek growth and greener pastures elsewhere,” said the school in q statement late Thursday.

“As always, Letran is most grateful to MR. ABANDO for playing well for the team, for winning both the Rookie of the year and Most Valuable Player awards, for helping us keep the senior basketball championship in the 97th Season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).”

Without Abando, the Knights will need a collective effort to secure a three-peat, with Season 95 Finals MVP Fran Yu, Brent Paraiso, Mark Sangalang and incoming rookie Kobe Monje now leading the charge.

Abando was able to find refuge in Letran back in August 2020 after University of Santo Tomas’ ill-fated Sorsogon bubble training that led to a player exodus.

“As always, Letran is most grateful to MR. ABANDO for playing well for the team, for winning both the Rookie of the year and Most Valuable Player awards, for helping us keep the senior basketball championship in the 97th Season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA),” said the school.

“We remain committed to our vocation of forming our students and athletes according to the ideals of DEUS, PATRIA, LETRAN, which we confidently bequeathed to MR. ABANDO,” the statement continued.

“Once a Letranite, Always a Letranite! We pray for Mr. Abando, and wish hirn well.”

In his lone NCAA season with the Knights, Abando averaged 15.73 points, 6.36 rebounds, 1.73 assist, and 1.27 blocks per game.

Letran completed a perfect 11-0 season capped by a two-game sweep of Intramuros neighbor Mapua in the Finals last May.

The Knights are competing in the PBA D-League and the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup as part of their NCAA Season 98 preparations.

Abando was part of Letran’s pre-season roster but did not suit up in a single game in both off-season tournaments.