Calvin Abueva of Alaska (light). PBA IMAGE
If there’s a consolation where Calvin Abueva can vent his shortcomings in the past PBA season, the 2015 FIBA 3×3 World Tour Manila Masters might just be the place to do it.
But the man people fondly call “The Beast” no longer needs any motivation to this competition — he already got it last year.
Abueva gets one more shot in the 3×3 crown in this leg of the World Tour, as he is once again set to captain the Manila North squad where he will be reunited with Alaska teammate Vic Manuel.
“Calvin will provide the energy and toughness that we will need against bigger and taller players in the FIBA 3×3 tournament,” said coach Eric Altamirano in an interview with the official website of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).
Kia’s versatile guard Karl Dehesa and NU’s hardworking forward Troy Rosario take the place vacated by Ian Sangalang and Jake Pascual from last year’s quartet.
Last year saw the lore of Abueva grow in the 3×3 courts, as he had to tend to his pregnant wife before rushing back to the SM Megamall to valiantly bring a wounded Manila North team back to life with a stunning win over Xinzhuang of Taiwan.
Now, he wants more, and that is to lead Manila North to the top.
Two other Philippine teams will look to establish the country’s dominance in the sport, as Terrence Romeo will lead the famed Manila West squad, while the Cebuano kings of the Talk ‘N Text Tatluhan Championship will make up the Manila South team, namely Jair Igna, Carlo Ortega, Lucky Ecarma, and Joshua Sinclair.