Alaska Aces head coach Alex Compton clarified issues surrounding star forward Calvin Abueva’s sudden disappearance just moments prior to their tilt against the Blackwater Elite, Saturday afternoon at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
According to Compton, Abueva had to rush home to attend to personal matters. And for the affable mentor, he had allowed Abueva to go even if he would miss the contest, as family matters should always be put first.
“Alaska’s always been family first.
“I will never get in the way of somebody taking care of something important with their family,” said Compton after the match , which they were able to handle even without the Beast, 88-84.
According to some accounts, Abueva had already missed four days of team practices. But for Compton, it’s not much of an issue, as he put emphasis once more on the family-first mantra that the storied franchise has always had.
“I’ve spoken to some of you about him missing some practices, but our rule is if there’s something going on with your family, it’s an emergency, you don’t even need to call me. You take care of your family right away,” he said.
“And then you let me know as soon as you can.”
Compton even said that if the same thing occurred to him, he would do the same as Abueva.
“I’ll be the same way with my family. If something happens I’m gone,” said the 43-year-old, who used to play for the Manila Metrostars and the Batangas Blades in the MBA. “That’s just not a question.
“We’re a family-first franchise, it’s one of the things that makes me proud to be part of Alaska.”
It has unfortunately been a rough week for Alaska’s franchise player. According to sources, he is currently nursing a hamstring injury, and last Monday, he was removed from the Gilas pool for the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.
With that, Compton wishes nothing but the best for Abueva, who is having another commendable 2017-18 Philippine Cup run as he is averaging 14.8 points and 10.2 rebounds.
“We obviously missed Calvin but the other guys stepped up in his absence and we’re just praying for him.”
