MANILA – Calvin Abueva has vowed to be a “tamed beast” if given the chance to join Gilas Pilipinas in the 19th Asian Games men’s basketball later this month in Hangzhou, China.
According to the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots forward, he promised to stay away from trouble, unlike the last time he was called up for the national men’s basketball team.
During his last Gilas Pilipinas call-up in 2018, the Pampanga native was among the players involved in the infamous Philippines-Australia brawl that led to his six-game suspension.
“Different Calvin Abueva, but the same intensity,” Abueva said. “Iba na si Abueva. Syempre, kung ano ang kaya kong maibahagi sa team, ibibigay ko. Kung ano ang maaari kong idagdag sa team, idadagdag ko.”
“Iba ang Abueva ngayon. Parang yung mga nagawa natin sa PBA, mas magbibigay pa tayo ng iba sa Gilas,” he added. “Alam naman natin na may mga basher, di ba? Isang pagkakamali lang, kaya kailangan nating mag-focus at ibigay ang best natin dito.”
Abueva, however, is not yet assured of playing for the national team in the Asiad, as the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is still appealing for his inclusion as an “injury replacement.”
Abueva’s name was not included in the 60-man roster initially submitted by the SBP to the Asian Games committee last July, and they are now hoping that their appeal will be granted.
The 35-year-old Abueva said that, while he is keeping his emotions and temper in check, nothing will change in terms of the fire and energy he brings to a team once he steps onto the court.
“Best honor na nakabalik ulit tayo dito sa Gilas Pilipinas. Sabi ko nga sa family ko syempre nanonood din ako ng mga laro ng Gilas and yun nga, medyo may intensity na kulang,” Abueva said./PN
