By REYNALD MAGALLON
If given the green light to play for Gilas Pilipinas in the coming Hangzhou Asian Games in China, expect a tamer and wiser Calvin Abueva that will show up and wage war against perennial regional rivals.
Known as “The Beast” for his gung-ho type of basketball, Abueva is as excited as every Gilas fan for a possible return to national duty that he vowed to give it his all – just like he always does – for the flag and country.
“Kung mabibigyan ako ulit ng pagkakataon, 110 percent bigay ko dito sa laban na ito,” said Abueva who was in attendance during the national team’s first practice at the PhilSports Arena on Monday, July 11.
He joined a few other faces like Terrence Romeo, Jason Perkins, Mo Tautuaa and Stanley Pringle Gilas interim head coach Tim Cone personally handpicked to bolster the remaining World Cup squad.
Abueva and Perkins, however, still need to get clearance from the Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee to formalize their inclusion in the lineup.
Nonetheless, Abueva is honored to be part of the national team again especially after not being called-up again since getting suspended by FIBA following the Gilas-Australia brawl in 2018 at the Philippine Arena.
“Honored na makabalik ulit tayo dito sabi ko nga sa family ko, syempre nakakanood din naman ako ng Gilas medyo may mga intensity na kulang, kaya just honored nga na makabalik and ipagdarasal ko na makalaro at age 35,” said Abueva.
He vowed to provide the energy and hustle for the Nationals as it takes on Bahrain, Jordan and Thailand in the preliminary phase of the men’s basketball event in the Asiad.
“Different (Abueva) na ngayon kung ano yung pinapakita natin sa PBA iba pa rin yung ipapakita natin dito sa Gilas. Alam natin mga basher natin dyan isang mali mo lang so kailangan natin mag focus at ibigay ang best natin dito,” he added.
