Abueva says everything is fine

Alaska forward Calvin Abueva did not go to specifics, but he let on that family problems were the reason he missed a game with the Aces and a couple of practice sessions with Gilas Pilipinas.

“The past three weeks, sobrang lungkot ko sa nangyari sa family ko,” said Abueva, who changed his Alaska jersey number from No. 8 to No. 88 on his return in a meaningful gesture.

“Kaya pinalitan ko yung number ko,” said the 29-year-old Abueva, who had a double-double effort of 21 points and 15 rebounds in Alaska’s 93-75 win over the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the PBA Philippine Cup last Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The win stretched its streak to five games as it improve its record to 5-2, right behind defending champion San Miguel Beer and Magnolia Pambansang Manok – both with 5-1 cards.

Abueva missed Alaska’s game against Blackwater last Saturday, and failed to attend PH team practice next.

There were persistent rumors that one of his kids has blood disorder, but Abueva and wife Sam – in a story by Spin.PH – clarified that all their children are healthy and that not one of them is ill.

League observers speculated too that his marriage may be on the rocks, a rumor Abueva did not address.

“Nakuha ko yung motivation ko kung ano yung pinaghirapan ko the last three weeks. Nabuhay ako sa sarili ko na maging masaya. Masayang-masaya ako ngayon. Kinuha ko itong No. 88 para ang 2018 the best part of my life... kahit hindi na sa love life,” said Abueva

“Sana magtuluy-tuloy itong nilalaro ko at itong pagkabalik ko para makapasok kami sa finals at makuha namin itong championship,” added Abueva.