Gone are the days when Calvin Abueva would do extra curricular activities inside the court. The taunting, bashing, and the useless things that are not good for his team, they’re all gone.
Abueva is just determined and focused to help his team.
No wonder he had another MVP-type performance in his team’s latest win. He finished with 23 points and 21 rebounds as his monster showing carried Alaska to its fifth straight win to stay as the only unbeaten team in the PBA Philippine Cup.
Alex Compton acknowledged the change in Abueva’s game, but deferred the credit to the player himself.
“Hindi galing sa akin yun, malakas siyang mag-rebound bago ko siya makilala. Baka si Coach Topex (Robinson) may kasalanan dyan,” Compton said in jest.
Turning serious, Compton believes Abueva’s good showing is a product of hardwork, a trait that make him one of the best players in the league today.
“We’re just playing hard. Gusto namin masaipag kaming lahat. It just so happens na si Calvin ay isa sa pinakamasipag sa liga. Babagsak siya, pero tatayo yan. He would dive for the ball, babalik sa depensa, nakakapagod talaga ginagawa niya, mahirap,” said Compton.
“Pero ang maganda sa kanya palagi andun yung effort niya. Like every player, may mga aspects siyang kailangang mag-improve. But yung sipag niya, pati yung abilidad niya to get the rebound and defense, malaking bagay. He’s doing great, not because of me, but he really is a good player.”
Abueva also paid tribute to the coaching staff for giving them the confidence they need.
“Sa akin, ginawa ko lang yung trabaho ko. Para sa team ko. Malaki rin tulong ng team kaya nagawa ko yun. Binibigyan nila kaming lahat ng kumpiyansa. Mas focus ako ngayon, wala ng mga extra motions,” he added.
