Shock trade a golden opportunity for Abueva

CEBU, Philippines —  The move of Phoenix LPG Fuel Masters trading him to Magnolia Hotshots came as huge shock for Calvin Abueva.

“The Beast” has every reason to feel such.

Abueva has signed a three-year contract extension with Phoenix just last December.

And when the news broke out, he only heard it first from a friend.

“Nakaka-shock,” Abueva told Philstar.com about the jarring trade that sent him to Magnolia for Chris Banchero and two draft picks. “Yung friend ko pa nakaalam... Nagulat ako na-trade na ako.”

Surprise and stunning as it may seem but in the eyes of Phoenix coach Topex Robinson, the trade presents a golden opportunity for Abueva.

Robinson even likened what transpired between him and Abueva to that of a family relationship wherein parents always look what is best for their children.

“Bilog ang mundo. I mean, we might be separated sa trabaho pero the personal relationship has always been there, it’s not gonna fade,” said Robinson in a report by PBA.ph.

“Kung may anak ka, you want... kung ano mas maganda para sa anak mo you will do it. Calvin knows this naman,” added Robinson, who treats Abueva as a son since they first formed a bond with the San Sebastian Stags in the NCAA.

Aside from fulfilling his promise to Abueva while the latter was still serving out his suspension before the PBA Philippine Cup bubble play in Clark last year, Robinson said Abueva’s transfer to Magnolia is also change for the revitalized cager to realize his goal of winning more championships.

“Prior to him entering the bubble I made a promise to him na if things will turn out well with him and if may opportunity na -- I’m talking about the future -- sabi ko, tutulungan ko siya. Mayroon kaming ganoong usapan,” Robinson shared.

“It happened now, I mean, magiging maganda ano n’ya sa Magnolia. That’s why it happened. So, it was not really a surprise between us. And alam naman natin na (Magnolia) is a title contender ever since. I mean, him playing there for the next three years, hopefully, will give him a better chance.”