CALVIN Abueva listens intently as Gilas Pilipinas assistant coach Jong Uichico explains a play during practice. TRISTAN TAMAYO/INQUIRER.NET
WITH the furor over the surprise exclusion of Calvin Abueva from the Gilas Pilipinas roster yet to die down, Alaska team owner Wilfred Uytengsu Thursday said his organization is not about to turn its back on the national cause.
While the national team is staring at the prospect of not having PBA stars in the future because of the new Fiba schedule for big tournaments, Uytengsu said they will continue to help the Gilas program.
“Things may not always turn out the way we want them,” Uytengsu, who is in the United States, told the Inquirer in a text message. “But our support (to the national team) is not for political gain but for love of country.”
Uytengsu was asked if the exclusion of Abueva—along with LA Tenorio of Barangay Ginebra—from the Gilas five would prevent Alaska from lending players again in the future should Gilas need PBA reinforcements.
“We support Gilas wholeheartedly,” he said. “Calvin is a tremendous player and we are so happy that he is a huge part at what we are doing at Alaska and for Team Philippines.
“We are also proud that (Alaska head coach) Alex Compton is regarded so highly as part of the (Gilas) coaching staff.”
Basketball pundits had believed that Abueva, following sterling efforts in Gilas’ second-place finishes in the Jones Cup and Fiba Asia Championships last year—incidentally his first tournaments as a national player, was a cinch for a spot in the team that will see action in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
The televised announcement of the final Gilas lineup last Sunday shocked Abueva’s legions of fans.
“While we are heartbroken for Calvin, we are immensely proud of him, both in his efforts and the way he handled this difficult situation,” said Uytengsu, the billionaire sportsman who is also into triathlon and supports football.
“I’m sure he wishes the best for Gilas whether he is on the team or not. We all do.”