Alaska forward Calvin Abueva suffered a cut on his upper lip that required eight stitches to close during the practice session of Gilas Pilipinas late Monday evening at the Kerry Sports Manila inside the Shangri-La Hotel, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.
The injury happened during a scrimmage when fellow Gilas member Almond Vosotros inadvertently hit the 6-foot-2 Abueva with an elbow that left the former bloodied from a deep cut.
Abueva, the do-it-all veteran of the Aces, was immediately brought to the nearby Makati Medical Center.
“Medyo malalim din yung cut,” said Gilas physical therapist Dexter Aseron. “Aksidente yung nangyari, kasi magka-kampi pa nga sina Calvin and Almond e, so hindi sadya na matamaan.”
Abueva was present in yesterday’s Alaska practice session but sat out all drills. The Aces play Phoenix Fuel on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“He is in practice but will rest for a day,” said Alaska governor Richard Bachmann yesterday.
The player known by his moniker “The Beast” is averaging 12.40 points, 4.80 rebounds and 2.40 assists through five games of Alaska, which sports a 4-1 win-loss record and is tied for third and fourth places with TNT KaTropa.
Abueva is part of the national team pool under coach Chot Reyes that is preparing for the Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) Championship on May 12 to 18 at the Big Dome.