Fresh start for Calvin Abueva

As the old adage goes, every ending is always a new beginning.

Calvin Abueva is learning that now, as he was traded last Tuesday by the Alaska Aces – the team where he began his pro career in 2012 – to the Phoenix Fuel Masters in exchange for Karl Dehesa and a 2019 first round draft pick.

The move was a shock, considering that he was the face of the Aces’ franchise for six years. But then, many say that the deal is understandable, as Abueva has been troubled for the past few months.

So for the Beast, being with Phoenix is a fresh start for him.

“Makakatulong ‘to, tsaka makakapag-refresh din ako sa sarili ko,” said the 30-year-old forward, who watched the Fuel Masters’ tune-up versus the NLEX Road Warriors, Wednesday. “Kumbaga, balik to being a rookie na naman ako eh.

“Yun yung expectation ko sa sarili ko na back to the rookie ka,” added Abueva, the Aces’ second overall pick in the 2012 Draft.

“Kung ano ‘yung ginagawa mo nung rookie ka ganun din gawin mo dito sa panibago mong team.”

As far as expectations are concerned, they are high for Abueva as he arrives at a team who are eager to prove that they are a winning ball club. But the cager out of the San Sebastian Stags program was quick to temper expectations.

“Actually… Hindi naman lahat mabibigay ko. Siyempre ang akin lang trabaho is trabaho lang,” shared the 6-foot-2 Abueva. “[And ‘yung] pagbibigay ng energy sa kanila at saka effort, yun lang naman maibibigay ko.”

Abueva is now ready to move forward with his new team. But he has expressed his gratitude to the Aces for all that they have done in his career.

“Nagpapasalamat lang ako sa Alaska na sa six years ko sa kanila, hindi nila ako pinabayaan,” said the proud son of Angeles, Pampanga. “Binigay ko naman yung best ko sa kanila. Siyempre sa buhay natin may nagbabago ‘di ba.

“Pero siyempre masaya din ako na napunta rin ako dito sa Phoenix, tapos coach ko pa si coach Louie [Alas, a former Aces assistant coach]. Kaya excited din ako na maka-join ulit ako sa kanila.”