As soon as the news broke of his departure with UST, Abando was courted by several UAAP Schools, with National University and Adamson University among the few. 

Albeit, the ex-growling tiger chose to gravitate towards Colegio de San Juan de Letran.

“Ayoko rin mag-UAAP kasi ‘pag UAAP tapos nakalaban ko UST, baka ‘pag nag-chant ng ‘Go USTE’ baka bigla ko depensahan ‘yung mga kakampi ko sa ibang school,” bantered Abando. He then revealed, “Ayoko talaga makalaban UST!”

Abando expressed he will miss the deafening chants brought by the UST crowd in his games. 

Although he is confident that his decision in leaving the tigers and joining the Knights will help him expand his athletic potential.

“Mas okay ako sa Letran kasi All-Filipino. Nakikita ko kasi sa NCAA talagang balyahan. Pure talent talaga dun. Laban lang.” he continued.

The six-foot-two Abando is thrilled to join the reigning NCAA Season 95 champions in the presence of Fran Yu, Larry Muyang, Bonbon Batiller, and the rest of the team.

 Abando even recalled his game against Letran in a 2019 PBA D-League where Petron-Letran put a halt in UST’s unbeatable run.

 “Excited ako kasi ‘pag kalaban namin sila sa D-League, lagi kami nila tinatalo. Sana mag-click kami bilang kakampi,” Abando recalled.

Abando’s transition to being a Knights became more accommodating now that he had with him his ex-Growling Tigers colleague Brent Paraiso and Ira Bataller.

Aligned with his strikingly impressive performance last UAAP Season 82 with UST averaged 11.71 points, 5.29 rebounds, and 1.29 blocks per game, he vowed that he will give his best as much as what he gave to his former team.

“Mapro-promise ko lang na gagawin ko ang lahat tulad ng sa UST. Kung kaya ko higitan, gagawin ko lahat ng makakaya ko hanggang dulo.” he determinately said.