Calvin Abueva simply wants more.
He does feel blessed that Magnolia has booked a slot to the 2021 Honda PBA Philippine Cup semifinals after sweeping Rain or Shine. But the ‘Beast’ has his sights set on winning it all – something he hasn’t done in a long time.
“Baka naman pwede na makuha ‘yung Finals,” he said moments after their 96-86 win Thursday. “Sinabi ko, ito nga, nasa Pinatubo kami at maraming bundok na tinutuluyan.
“Siguro ilang bundok pa para makapunta kami sa dulo.”
Abueva last won a championship back in 2013 during his rookie year with Alaska. But heartbreaks followed after that, especially in the 2016 all-Filipino finals. The Aces blew a 3-0 lead and bowed to San Miguel Beer.
He actually had a chance to set foot in the Big Dance in last year’s bubble play, when he helped Phoenix Super LPG reach the semis. They were only a win away from the titular bout, only for TNT to crush their dreams.
Now the 33-year-old has another shot at vying for a title – this time with the very same Hotshots team whom he and the Fuel Masters ousted in the Clark quarterfinals by maximizing their win-once playoff incentive.
Abueva believes his new team is destined for a crown.
Photo by PBA Images
“Iba ‘tong team na ‘to – may destiny ‘to eh.
“Kaya sabi ko ‘pag napunta ako dito, talagang grab ko lahat kung anong opportunity na pwede kong gawin dito,” said the nine-year vet, who came to Magnolia via trade in the offseason.
In fact, the Kapampangan star is so locked in on his goal that he does not mind being the leading candidate for the coveted Best Player of the Conference award. He had 35.36 statistical points at elimination round’s end.
“Ang akin, hindi ko inaano ‘yung individual. Ang akin makapag-champion kami at sama-sama naming makuha ‘yung trophy na hinahangad namin,” said Abueva, who had 20 points and 19 rebounds in the clincher.
“Kasi, this is the best time na makakakuha ka ng ganoon eh. Tsaka laking opportunity, laking dream at pangarap sa buhay na naglalaro ka at mayroon kang hawak na championship,” he added.
But while he has his eyes on the prize, it isn’t lost on Abueva the work they will have to put in for the best-of-seven semis. That could either be the second-seeded Meralco Bolts or the gutsy NLEX Road Warriors.
“Hindi pa tapos ‘to. Hindi pa ‘to ‘yung celebration namin at focus pa kami sa darating na laban namin,” he said.
“Maghihintay pa kami sa NLEX tsaka Meralco. ‘Yun ‘yung paghahandaan namin ngayong step.”
