Rhinwil Octobre Yambing discovered the beautiful game of basket at the early age of five (5). He started playing three-on-three (3x3) with his friends at an unpaved court at their backyard. It was when he was a first year high school student that he played five-on-five (5x5) due to the influence of his friends.
He also started joining summer basketball leagues in their barangay. Fortunately, he was scouted by one team owner who invited him to play for his squad.
"Nag-umpisa po ako mag-basketball na Grade 5 pa lang po ako. Yung nilalaruan ko noon ay 3x3 sa lupa lang po. Pag tungtung ko ng 1st year high school, dun na po ako nagsimula maglaro ng 5x5 kasi palagi po ako sinasama nga ka babata ko na si Earlwyn Dequeros. Tapos sinasali na nila ako sa mga liga sa aming barangay. Pagkatapos non may nakakita sa akin na may team sa commercial league na gusto daw nila ako kunin para maglaro sa team nila. Tinanggap ko naman syempre para malawakan ko pa yung pag intindi sa basketball, pagkatapos po lumipas ilang buwan may pa liga sa aming barangay at kasali yung Team namin sa commercial league," shared Rhinwil Yambing.
It didn't take long before Rhinwil Yambing's exploit in the barangay and commercial leagues were noticed. In one of the leagues he participated, he was scouted and invited by coach Jeff Villaborna and coach Arvin Eusebio to play for the University of the Visayas.
Unfortunately, his stint with the University of Visayas did not materialize as homesickness got the better of him. Just after a month from joining the varsity team of the University of the Visayas, Rinwil Yambing went to Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte where he continued his studies.
"Pagdating ko nga sa UV, nahihiya pa ako syempre bagong dating palang ako galing Mindanao at kasabay ko dumating si Poypoy Actub. Siya yung unang naging ka-close ko sa dorm. Lumipas ilang buwan, umuwi ako ng Leyte kasi nami-miss ko yung mama ko at gusto ko rin makita yung lola kasi matagal na kami hindi nagkikita simula nung pinauwi ako ng tita ko sa Mindanao," explained Rhinwil Yambing.
While in Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte, Rhinwil Yambing got the chance to continue playing basketball also in barangay leagues while also studying. Owing perhaps to his size and raw talent, several scouts had invited him to play as an import in other leagues. Nonetheless, he had to turn down some offer since he was not familiar with the places where he will play.
"Pagdating ko ng Padre Burgos Southern Leyte, dito ko napagpatuloy ang aking pag-aaral. Isang araw, niyaya ako ng mga cousin ko na maglaro sa team nila kasi may barangay league kasi fiesta. Pumayag ako. Pagkatapos nga ng isang laro, lumapit yung isang referee sa akin tapos tinanong ako kung ilang taon na ako, kasi may 21-under inter-town na liga. Gusto nya palaruin ako kasi matangkad daw. Pumayag naman ako na maglaro sa team nila. Pagkatapos nga ng Inter-town sa amin, may nag chat sa akin na gusto raw nila akong kuning import kaso di ko tinanggap yun kasi hindi ko pa kabisado yung lugar at natatakot yung mama kung ano mangyari sa akin kasi nga hindi ko pa kabisado yung mga lugar dito," recalled Rhinwil Yambing.
More opportunities opened for Rhinwil Yambing while he was in Southern Leyte. Perhaps the biggest offer he received was to play for the San Sebastian Stags in the NCAA. Much as he was excited to play in the big stage of the NCAA, he was surprised to see that there are a lot of players much taller and bigger than him although he was already 6'3 tall. His debut was also stalled by the pandemic but he is determined to work hard in order to achieve his dreams.
"Napunta po ako sa San Sebastian College Recoletos dahil sa tulong po ni Boss/Kuya Donni Van Vergara at Alfonso Beslig. Sila po ang tumulong sa akin para makapunta sa Baste. Pinakilala ako ni Alfonso Beslig kay Donne Van Vergara kasi nakitaan ako ng potential sa paglalaro ng basketball at doon na ako tinawagan ni Kuya Donne Van Vergara, ang coach ng Baste na may player siya dito sa probinsya. Pagdating ko ng Baste, pagkakita sa mga player nila natulala ako kasi mas matangkad at malalaki ang katawan nila. Hindi ko inakala na ganito pala mga player sa manila," added Rhinwil Yambing.
While waiting for the resumption of the NCAA, Rhinwil Yambing is currently training hard in order to hone further his skills specially his shooting which is needed to complement his explosiveness and athleticism. It is a common knowledge that having a consistent outside shooting is very much essential to space out the floor. It is also not a coincidence that those who developed outside shooting early in their careers have suffered less injury and enjoyed longevity in their careers.
Reaching the PBA, much less the MPBL, will definitely require 100% dedication and focus. Rhinwil Yambing experienced challenges on his journey towards a professional career but he wants to share the message to fellow young hoopers out there to continue balling and improving their skills.
As we all know, hardwork beats talent if talent does not work hard. Good luck on your journey young man.
RHINWIL YAMBING PROFILE
Height : 6’3
Position: Guard
College: San Sebastian College Recoletos
Hometown: Iligan City