Rhenz Abando excels in Dubai tourney amid grief over grandmother's death

Basketball player Rhenz Abando is performing well for Strong Group in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship despite grieving over the loss of his grandmother, Lola Ansing.

Abando grew up without a father figure and was raised by his grandmother, who played both maternal and paternal roles in his life; he received heartbreaking news about her passing shortly after arriving in the UAE for the tournament.

The player finds solace in basketball as it helps him cope with the pain of losing his grandmother, to whom he feels very close.

Motivated by his family's sacrifices for him, Abando aims to provide a better life for them through his performance in the tournament.

Strong Group Athletics, led by former NBA star DeMarcus Cousins, secured the top seed after sweeping their bracket 4-0 and will face Sharjah Sports Club in the quarterfinals on Thursday.