No rest from basketball for Calvin Abueva, but he doesn’t mind
Calvin Abueva and non stop basketball. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Calvin Abueva hasn’t had any break from basketball since the 2014-15 PBA Season started on October 19 last year.
And with his inclusion in the latest Gilas Pilipinas pool and ultimately a second stint with the national team for the Olympic qualifiers in June next year, his engine will be running until September 2016 when the ongoing season ends.
READ: Baldwin: Gilas merely ‘inching’ forward after six weeks of training
But whether he’s leading Alaska or working his tail off during Gilas’ once-a-week training, the dynamic forward looks as if he’s still the freshest player on the floor.
“I can manage,” said Abueva in Filipino, with sweat dripping down his face and soaking his Gilas practice jersey, on how his body feels from all the basketball he’s been doing since last year. “I’m conditioned and what I’m doing is for the country that’s why I go hard and play hard.”
READ: Ferrer joins Ravena in Gilas Pilipinas pool practice
Abueva, who’s built like a rock, said his bountiful source of energy comes from the support he gets from his family and fans and from his faith.
“I don’t only rely from myself, I also get strength from my supporters and most especially from God who veers me away from injuries.”
Since last year, Abueva has played a full PBA season where he made two finals appearances for the Aces, led Manila Masters to a couple of Fiba 3×3 tournaments in August here in Manila and last month in Abu Dhabi, suited up for Gilas 3.0 in the Jones Cup, MVP Cup and 2015 Fiba Asia.
READ: Gilas practices with 9 players; Ginebra trio rests
He’s now back in training for Gilas and playing for Alaska, which is primed to make another finals run in the Philippine Cup.
Despite playing nonstop and pushing his body to its limits, the 27-year-old Abueva isn’t worried that the grueling grind may take its toll on him.
“I don’t have any concerns. I also make sure that I take care of my body and I also thank the Lord for giving me energy.”
READ: Bigger, more talented Gilas out to compete against the world
It may not seem so but the former San Sebastian standout said he holds back at times during training to prevent himself from getting hurt.
“But when its game time, I make sure that I give everything I have and lay it all out on the floor.”
