Dela Cruz: I would love to win a championship with Abueva

Calvin Abueva is arguably one of the most hated players in the PBA right now; with his on-court shenanigans and physical play drawing the ire of most fans.

Despite his detractors, there are still those who will stand by Abueva’s side no matter what, and one of which is his team captain in Alaska.

Tony Dela Cruz has been Abueva’s teammate since he was drafted in 2012, and unlike most who only see the Kapampangan’s on-court demeanor, the Aces’ captain sees a very different version of the man known as “The Beast.”

READ: Tony Dela Cruz calls to revive PBA Players’ union

“Off the court he’s a great guy, he’s a great family man, he loves his family,” said Dela Cruz Thursday at INQUIRER’s weekly sports show SportsIQ. “You see him go on to his kids, and he’s a great teammate around the locker room. He has a big heart and he plays every possession like it was his last so it’s really amazing to see him grow as a person.”

“Personally, I feel honored to be sitting next to this guy. This guy is really popular, and everybody who sees you me go like: ‘what’s Calvin like?’”

For all his notoriety, Abueva has compiled a resume worthy of envy.

He has won the Best Player of the Conference award, Rookie of the Year, and has been voted into the All Star four times.

Abueva’s only championship came in the 2013 PBA Commissioner’s Cup when they beat Ginebra.

Dela Cruz, now 37, said he wants to win more championships with the man he described as someone who has given so much to Philippine basketball.

“More than anything, I would love to win a championship with Calvin,” said Dela Cruz. “Whether you hate him or love him, you have to respect what he does for basketball in the Philippines.”