BY WAYLON GALVEZ
Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters coach Louie Alas said that if and when Calvin Abueva gets reinstated, he still wants to see the same ‘do-it-all’ kind of game from the player who is fondly called “The Beast.”
Alas, however, wants to see a more ‘controlled’ and matured Abueva.
“Calvin being Calvin, kung saan siya affective gawin niya, but in controlled aggression. Yung na-experiecnce (long suspension) niya yun ang magtuturo sa kanya para mag-mature siya,” said Alas over the weekend on The Chasedown on Cignal TV’s One PH Channel.
Abueva is still serving an indefinite suspension since he was banned by PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial on June 4, 2019 for his Flagrant 2 on TNT import Terrence Jones during the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup.
The clothesline foul also cost Abueva a P50,000 fine and additional P20,000 when he engaged a fan in a verbal altercation during the TNT-Phoenix game.
Since then, Marcial has ordered Abueva to do community service.
While serving the suspension, Abueva was not receiving salary from Phoenix management, forcing the former PBA Rookie of the Year to open a food business called ‘Dampa ni The Beast.’
Alas said the lengthy suspension, as well as not having a monthly salary are just enough to teach Abueva lessons, which he hopes would translate to an improved behavior if given a chance to return.
“May isa pa siyang session, and that was two weeks ago. Hindi ko na nakausap si Calvin after that. Hopefully matapos na siya. Hindi naman sinasabi ni Commissioner Willie na pag matapos ma-evaluate na niya or whatever,” said Alas.
“But I think nakita naman ni Calvin kung ano dapat niyang gawin – remorseful naman talag siya. Napakita naman niya na gusto niya makabalik. Malaking bagay yung suspension niya.”
“Kasi nung umpisa kala niya katulad lang mga nung dating suspensions (1 or 2 games). Hindi rin naman madaling mabuhay na walang sweldo. Na-experince lahat ni Calvin yan, nakikita namin na hirap na hirap siya,” said Alas.
“Yun lang experience na yun malaking malaking tulong sa kanya, kahit ako babaguhin ko ang dapat kong baguhin para sa pamilya ko. Hindi lang para kay Calvin, para sa pamilya niya,” added Alas.
Prior to the coronavirus outbreak that forced the PBA to cancel the games and practice sessions, Alas said that Abueva has been allowed by Marcial to join the team’s training since January.
Now, the former San Sebastian College standout is still joining the team’s online training.
