Calvin Abueva has been missing in action for both the Alaska Aces and Gilas Pilipinas since Alaska’s loss to Phoenix last July 22.
“[It’s about] personal matters to take care of. That’s all I can comment,” Alaska head coach Alex Compton said about the matter last Friday, as Abueva had missed Alaska’s game against Star.
Abueva has yet to attend any of Gilas’ four practices and has not been in contact with him.
“Wala pa rin balita. Through their team manager [Dickie Bachmann] lang contact [namin],” said Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes about the matter, Sunday night.
But with just nine days to go before the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup, Reyes and his staff are becoming impatient with Abueva as they cannot afford to have Calvin Abueva not attending practices for the continental meet.
“If he doesn’t come by tomorrow, we’re going to be forced to drop him. We have no other recourse.”
Gilas’ practice on Monday will be at 8:00pm on Monday at the Meralco Gym.
But even if the 6-foot-2 forward does not appear, the national team tactician and his staff do not have anyone in mind to replace him.
“Yan ang malaking problema. Hindi ko pa alam,” admitted Reyes, who is celebrating his 54th birthday on Tuesday.
Abueva’s last tour of duty was back in the 2017 SEABA Championship, averaging 13.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists.
