Abueva nears return; Ahanmisi in, Racal out

CLARK – Calvin Abueva of Phoenix moved closer to getting his professional license back as he passed the evaluation of the Games and Amusements Board after the required three-session seminars.

While inside the PBA bubble, the controversial forward attended the GAB’s online seminars on the Professional Athlete’s Code of Conduct and Ethics last Oct. 6, 8, and 14 as part of the requirements for his license reinstatement.

“The seminar has been satisfactorily completed by Calvin Abueva,” GAB safety officer Kara Mallonga wrote in the post-seminar report.

“Based on compliance to the documentary requirements and results of the post- seminar evaluation, reinstatement of his professional license is therefore recommended subject to the conditions and approval of the board,” Mallonga said.

Aside from the seminars, GAB has required Abueva to undergo drug test in line with its medical requirements for licensed players.

It remains to be seen if Abueva will also get the PBA to act favorably on his appeal for reinstatement.

*** Alaska’s Kevin Racal has suffered a complete anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear on his right knee, thus, becoming the first PBA bubble casualty due to an injury.

“That’s a big hit on us. We’re still bearing the news that we won’t have him for the rest of the bubble. Unfortunately, things like this happen,” said Alaska mentor Jeff Cariaso.

Racal sustained the injury in the Aces’ 100-95 loss against the TNT Tropang Giga last Sunday.

On the bright side, the Aces have got an additional player on the bubble entry of guard Maverick Ahanmisi.

Ahanmisi has undertaken the mandatory swab test upon his arrival but will still need to complete a two-day quarantine before joining the Aces in their campaign.

*** Meralco coach Norman Black and his rookie son Aaron are enjoying their company together in one team, and in one place.

In fact, Aaron can’t be thankful enough having his dad around in the bubble. He has charged at least four food services to Norman’s room already.

“He’s always asking me for money. I’m reminding him that he’s working now. He’s getting paid,” chuckled Norman.

*** Kiefer Ravena may be inside the bubble in Clark, but just couldn’t miss the inauguration of his Chooks-to-Go store in Cainta yesterday. He was there in spirit. Kiefer’s girlfriend Alyssa Valdez and mom Mozzy graced the rites, opening the brand new store right outside their village, Town and Country Homes, as promised by Bounty Agro Ventures, Inc. president Ronald Mascariñas.

Ravena was awarded a branch of his own for his decade-long service to the national team. The NLEX playmaker follows the footsteps of Gabe Norwood and Paul Desiderio as athletes who own Chooks-to-Go store.

Earlier in the year, Ravena had a Chooks-to-Go rolling store that served as a test run for a potential location in his village.