It was surprising, to say the least, when the Alaska Aces issued a statement on Saturday morning declaring that their franchise player Calvin Abueva suspended indefinitely from the team.
The Aces have decided to hand out the punishment, as the Beast has been missing for over a week now. Abueva even missed their game versus the GlobalPort Batang Pier last June 2.
But there was positive line in the statement – most especially for Gilas Pilipinas.
“Alaska, however, will allow Abueva to play for Gilas if coach Chot Reyes chooses to use them in the line-up.”
Gilas head coach Chot Reyes is fully aware of the Aces’ decision, and he expressed gratitude towards Alaska, who have always helped the national team program however they can.
“Well we appreciate that gesture. From day one, Alaska has always been very supportive of Gilas,” the veteran internationalist told Tiebreaker Times, Saturday afternoon.
But even with the offer, nothing is guaranteed for Abueva, particularly his inclusion in the final lineup of Gilas for the third window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers late this June.
The Kapampangan cager – whose status in the second window last February was shaky due to also being MIA – is norming 6.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.5 steals in the Qualifiers.
“It doesn’t mean Calvin is gonna make the final lineup. He still has to earn his spot just like everybody else.”
