MANILA, Philippines - Calvin Abueva, the most hated man in an Alaska uniform, can’t wait to don the Philippine jersey in the FIBA Asia Championship in September.
“I’m motivated,” said Abueva, always a thorn to any opposing team in the PBA.
When there’s a commotion on the floor, it’s most likely you’ll find Abueva in the middle of it, and he often gets involved with the opposing fans as well.
But all that will have to change once he suits up for Gilas Pilipinas in the coming FIBA Asia Championship in Changsha, China.
It’s his first stint with the national team.
“First time ko,” he said after leading Manila North to a strong runner-up finish to NoviSad of the UAE in the recent Manila leg of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour.
For a change, everybody loved Abueva, and fans chanted his name.
He said his stint in the FIBA 3x3 World Tour gave him a glimpse of what to expect once he plays for the country in Changsha.
“Ngayon pa lang dito sa 3-on-3 ang sarap na maglaro eh doon pa kaya (If in this 3-on-3 event it feels so good to play what more in Changsha),” he said.
Abueva said it’s the dream of every player to represent the country.
“Para sa bansa yan (It’s for the country). Iba yan (It’s different),” he said.
During the last FIBA World Cup in Spain, the Alaska forward stayed glued to the TV set each time Gilas trooped to the court.
He also said he didn’t mind being left out in the previous national teams, adding that what’s important is that this time, he was called in.
“Hindi ko naman pinipilit ang sarili ko (I never force myself in). Kasi pag kukunin ka, kukunin ka at pag hindi, di hindi (If you’re in, you’re in. If not, you’re not),” Abueva said.
The former San Sebastian Stag, this early, has vowed to do his best for the country.
“Kailangan magpakita (I have to prove myself),” said Abueva.
The fans will love him for that.