In just one night, Calvin Abueva showed the Phoenix Fuel Masters what he can bring to the table.
The Beast, who’s now in his second PBA team after being the face of the Alaska Aces for six years, made a huge imprint in the Fuel Masters’ 113-107 victory over Columbian Dyip in their 2018 Governors’ Cup opener, Wednesday evening.
Abueva finished with 12 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks, a performance highlighted by his game-saving offensive rebound with less than 12 ticks left that led to his freebies, which settled the final score.
“Calvin [was just] being Calvin,” lauded Phoenix head coach Louie Alas of Abueva – both have spent years together under the Alaska umbrella. “That’s why pinilit namin siya makuha kasi [he provides] extra body, extra energy.”
“Buti naman. Napakita ko kung ano yung mga dapat kong ipakita,” said Abueva. “It’s my new team eh.
“Actually sa akin, gagawin ko yung work ko, gagawin ko yung trabaho ko para maipakita ko kung hanggang saan talaga ako dito.”
In the six years he played for the Milkmen, Abueva had always been a starter. But in his debut with Phoenix, he came off the bench. When asked, Abueva said that it doesn’t matter for him whether he starts or not.
“Okay lang. Wala namang problema sa akin yun. Alam naman nila coach Louie [Alas] kung anong dapat nilang gawin. Tsaka ‘di naman ako naghahangad na first five o second five ako diyan o something,” said the 30-year-old.
“Basta ‘pag pinasok ka, ready ka.”
Abueva knows that expectations – especially from Phoenix fans – have shot up with his arrival in the young franchise. But for the second overall pick of the 2012 Draft, his main concern is helping his team in all the ways he can.
“Actually ako, it’s a fresh start, new beginning. Gawin ko muna yung trabaho ko bago ko maisip kong ano yung dapat kong gawin sa next level ko.”
