WELCOME BACK, CALVIN!
CALVIN ABUEVA returns to action beginning on Monday and although he admitted to having learned his lesson after getting indefinitely suspended that lasted 17 months, he said he would remain as “The Beast” of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
“I don’t like to be over excited and I don’t want to expect that much, but it’s going to be the same physical Abueva,” Abueva told the Businessmirror minutes after Commissioner Willie Marcial announced the lifting of his suspension.
“But I will always be aware of my actions inside and outside the court,” Abueva added.
The PBA allowed Abueva to play for Phoenix Super LPG in the ongoing Philippine Cup at the PBA bubble, ending months of uncertainty for the former San Sebastian College star who was suspended indefinitely and fined P70,000 for a clothesline foul on TNT import Terrence Jones and engaging Bobby “Ray” Parks Jr.’s girlfriend Myka Rivera in a verbal spat last year.
Abueva was tasked by the PBA to do community service as a requisite for his return and completed an online seminar on professional athletes’ conduct that prompted the Games and Amusements Board to reinstate is playing license.
Upon learning the good news, the Angeles City native said he would do his best to lead the Fuel Masters.
“I will give my best,” said Abueva as he joined the Fuel Masters against the NLEX Road Warriors on Monday at the Angeles University Foundation gym in Pampanga.
“I’ll dedicate this game to all the people who prayed for my reinstatement and for my teammates, the coaches, and management for being there at my side,” he said.
Phoenix coach Topex Robinson couldn’t describe how happy he was when Marcial announced the decision during their practice on Sunday morning.
But Robinson said the focus now is on the NLEX game.
“It’s a challenge. We know how NLEX play and coach Yeng [Guiao]. They are on a mission especially that they cannot afford to lose anymore because all their games are important now,” said Robinson, referring to the Road Warriors’ 1-4 won-lost record in the bubble. Also set on Monday is the TNT Tropang GigaNorthport game at 6:45 p.m.