During the 2017-2018 ABL Launch Press Conference, Leo Avenido was awarded with the league’s first ever Lifetime Achievement Award.
Avenido was an instant star since his first season in the ABL as a Heritage Import for the Brunei Barracudas and continued to succeed in the various seasons after. The Filipino went on to also play for the Singapore Slingers, San Miguel Beermen, Saigon Heat, and Mono Vampires over the course of his six-year ABL career.
After finishing the 2015-2016 season with the Mono Vampires, Leo Avenido had already amassed 1,627 points total in the ABL which still stands as most by any player in ABL history. His lengthy career also led him to play in a total 117 games, which is the fourth most all-time.
Avenido always posed a threat to score and even after four illustrious scoring seasons in the league, he was still able to set his career high of 38 points when he played for the Saigon Heat in 2014. His scoring prowess, leadership, and passion on the court factored in his 2012 Local MVP Award and ultimately this Lifetime Achievement award as well.
Aside from winning several individual awards and accomplishing numerous achievements, Avenido also has claims to the title of an ABL Champion. He was a part of the San Miguel Beermen Championship team that won the title over the Indonesia Warriors in 2013.
The ASEAN Basketball League has always recognized Avenido’s accomplishments and feats as one of the league’s marquee players. It was no doubt the perfect timing during the press conference for the launch of a historic ASEAN Basketball League season to honor Leo Avenido with the first ever Lifetime Achievement Award.
