Even if he has been removed from the Gilas Pilipinas pool for the second window of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers this February, Calvin Abueva still attended the team’s workouts on Monday — just as he had vowed.
“Kahit na ‘di na ko naka-lineup, at least naman nakakapag-ensayo pa rin ako ‘di ba?” said Abueva after practice at Greenhills West Gym in San Juan.
“At least sa third window nandiyan pa naman ako. At least nakuha ko pa rin yung sistema.”
Talk of Abueva’s possible return for the Asian qualifiers’ second window has increased in the past few days, after Gilas teammate Troy Rosario met an accident during the TNT Katropa’s bout with the Phoenix Fuel Masters last February 7.
Rosario’s status has then become clouded with questions, with his return to basketball activities yet to be known.
Head coach Chot Reyes, however, remained firm about his decision of Abueva being out of the pool. Abueva has no issues with this, only wishing for the best to happen to the 26-year-old Rosario.
“Ang daming na-sad nung nangyari sa kanya yun. Sana maka-recover siya ng maayos, maka-recover siya nang madali,” the proud son of Angeles City wished.
“Basta’t ako nandito lang. Effort lang. Talagang ibigay ko lahat ng nasa’kin.”
But the Alaska Aces franchise player is not closing his doors to Reyes and national team officials, if ever they choose call him up again for his services on the 22nd and the 25th, when Gilas will take on Australia and Japan, respectively.
“Depende nalang kung anong mangyari ‘di ba. Baka baliktad ulit yung mundo.”
