Pingris welcomes Abueva to Magnolia

When news broke out that Calvin Abueva was traded to the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok, veteran forward Marc Pingris immediately reached out and welcomed “The “Beast.”

The two, despite their heated clashes in the PBA the past several years, have a mutual respect for each other ever since they played together for Gilas Pilipinas during the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship in China.

“Hindi pa kami nagkita pero nag-message kami. Sabi niya ‘Brad, ayusin mo na jan,’” said Abueva as he appeared last Saturday on the weekly sports show The Chasedown on One PH over Cignal TV.

“It’s a big opportunity na anjan ka (with Magnolia), huwag mo na pakawalan. Ito ‘yung kumpanya na alam mong makaka-ipon ka, maga-grab mo lahat ng opportunity na dadating sa iyo.”

Magnolia said this is the third team for Abueva a er Alaska and Phoenix Fuel.

While he is considered among the best with his energy and enthusiasm during games, Abueva is also a controversial figure on and off the court. He was suspended for 16 months for unsportsmanlike foul two years ago in former TNT KaTropa import Terrence Jones.

He was shipped by Phoenix to Magnolia for Chris Banchero plus dra picks.

Abueva acknowledges that since Magnolia is one of the top teams in terms of winning, this translates to won game bonuses particularly in the playoffs, more so if the team wins championships.

Meanwhile, Abueva’s friend,Vic Manuel, is willing to embrace whatever role be given to him by Phoenix coach Topex Robinson.

“Oo naman. Willing naman ako mag-sacrifice ng role kung ‘yun ‘yung dapat. Saka hindi makakabigat sa team,” said Manuel in the sports show.

“Kailangan tulungan ko sila e, yun ang magiging role ko talaga sa Phoenix.”