Calvin Abueva debuts with Phoenix

MANILA, Philippines — All eyes will be on Calvin Abueva when he debuts for Phoenix today after parting ways with Alaska Milk just two weeks before the start of the PBA Governors Cup.

Abueva, a fierce competitor, will play for only his second team in the PBA since being drafted second overall by Alaska in 2012, just behind June Mar Fajardo.

He was unceremoniously shipped by Alaska to Phoenix last Aug. 7 in exchange for a 2019 first-round pick and Karl Dehesa, a 31-year-old Fil-American.

Prior to the trade, Abueva was placed under indefinite suspension by Alaska, last June 9, lasting nearly two months, as disciplinary action.

But Abueva said he’s ready to strut his wares once more, this time for Phoenix, which takes on Columbian Dyip at 4:30 p.m.

The other game at 7 p.m. pits unbeaten NLEX against Magnolia.

“I’m ready to play,” said Abueva when asked how he’s been the past two weeks since joining the Fuel Masters under coach Louie Alas.

Abueva said it’s an entirely different surrounding. But it did not take long for him to blend in with the Fuel Masters.

“There’s no pressure,” he said.

Today’s game will be Abueva’s first in the PBA since Alaska placed him under suspension for failing to show up in team practices and an actual game. But he played for the Gilas squad that was involved in a highly publicized brawl with the Australian national team last July 2.

The former San Sebastian Stag cited personal problems as the reason.

“I’m okay now,” said the rugged forward.

Abueva was asked about his expectations with his new team in this import-spiced conference.

“Semis,” he said with the wink of an eye.