Abueva longs for another Gilas stint

MANILA, Philippines — Suspended Phoenix forward Calvin Abueva has set for himself an extra goal as he works on meeting the PBA’s requirements for his reinstatement.

“Actually talagang iniisip ko sa pagbabalik ko is makapaglaro ako nang maayos at mapasama uli ako sa Gilas (My goal when I return is to first play with more maturity and control and to serve Gilas Pilipinas again),” Abueva said in yesterday’s Power & Play program on Radyo Singko.

The controversial forward has been in the PBA freezer since June 2019, serving an indefinite suspension for disrespecting a female Blackwater fan and clotheslining TNT import Terrence Jones in another game.

There’s controversy in his Gilas stint, too, as the 6-foot-2 Abueva got involved in the infamous brawl with Australia in 2018 and received a six-game ban from FIBA for his action there.

“Kahit ano pa nangyari, andun pa rin ang puso ko na makasama sa national team (Despite everything that happened, my desire to play for the national team remains intense),” he said.

Abueva has been complying with the PBA’s directives for the past 14 months, undergoing drug and psychological tests, doing community service, and attending therapy sessions. PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said the 2013 Rookie of the Year is close to completing the checklist.

While serving suspension, Abueva has received "offers"  from the MPBL and even leagues in Thailand and Japan. But “The Beast” said his heart belongs to the PBA.

“May dapat pa ako tapusin dito na problema ko bago ko consider yung iba. Ang sa akin, dito ako sumikat, syempre dito ako magtatapos (I have to deal with my problem here before I even consider the other leagues. And for me, I made my name in the PBA so that’s where I should end my career),” he said.

Abueva has actually been given the go-signal by the PBA to join Phoenix’ practice as early as September 2019 and he's good to join the Fuel Masters when small group workouts start.

“Handa na talaga, 110%, nire-ready ko sa sarili ko sa pagbabalik (I’m 110 percent ready to return),” he said.

“Lagi kong iniisip maging mahinahon sa lahat ng lalaruan ko at ibigay ang best. Hindi pa rin maalis sa akin yung usual na reaksyon ko sa court pero huwag lang sosobra (I’ll do my best to stay calm. My usual playing style will still be there but I’ll make sure it won’t cross the line),” he promised.