PBA legend Johnny Abarrientos, now a Barangay Ginebra assistant coach, is itching to return to action.

“I think I’m still good for 10 to 15 minutes a game,” said the 37-year-old guard from Far Eastern University. “I practice every day with Ginebra so I’m in shape. I know retirement is coming and I can accept that. But I’m hoping to play one more year before retiring.”

Abarrientos revealed that his former team Alaska is offering to take him back as a player.

“Jolas (Lastimosa) called me about playing,” said the Flying A. “It would be nice to end up playing for my first team but I’m worried about the future. There’s no spot left in the Alaska coaching staff because they’ve already got Joel Banal, Bobby Bachmann, Luigi Trillo, Jolas and Bong Hawkins. Ginebra has been good to me and I’m already in the coaching staff. I don’t make suggestions directly to coach Jong (Uichico). I go through coaches Allan (Caidic), Juno (Sauler) and Art (de la Cruz). Coach Jong has been very supportive and boss Henry (Cojuangco) inspires us.”

Abarrientos said even as Alaska has retired his jersey No. 14, he can’t forget his trade by the Aces. There was pain at first in leaving the Alaska camp but he eventually got over it and moved on.

Abarrientos said his responsibility is to take care of Ginebra’s guards primarily Paul Artadi, Macky Escalona and Chris Pacana. Occasionally, he shares a thing or two with Jay-Jay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa.

Veteran guard Rodney Santos is in the US for his wife’s birth. He has played only a game this season and is in the reserve list. Pacana is hurt and can hardly practice.

“I’m trying to build Paul’s confidence in offense,” said Abarrientos. “A lot of our problems are mental. If we set our minds to something, it should be automatic like shooting free throws. I notice we sometimes run out of gas in the end so I suggested to Mark to pace himself.”

Abarrientos said big men Alex Crisano and Billy Mamaril are working on their consistency.

“Alex gets mad at himself when things don’t go right like if he doesn’t get a pass after a good seal,” said Abarrientos. “I told him to control his emotions and just play his game. Nobody’s stronger than Alex and I know his time will come.”