Calvin Abueva. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Second chances don’t come too often.
And that’s the reason why Calvin Abueva is just in cloud nine after being named as a part of the 14-man Gilas Pilipinas pool against Australia on February 22.
“It’s like my world was turned upside down,” Abueva said in Filipino.
Abueva was initially dropped from consideration by national team coach Chot Reyes after missing the first three team practices to start the year.
Dealing with personal matters that also affected his performance in Alaska, Abueva vowed to make up for his shortcomings and has since appeared in every practice in preparation for Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign in the second window of the 2019 Fiba World Cup Asian qualifiers.
READ: Gilas facing same old problems ahead of Australia clash
Abueva’s hard work was greatly appreciated by Reyes making it no surprise that he got himself back into consideration and a chance to make it to the final lineup for the duel against the Boomers at Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne.
“I’m just glad that I’m given this opportunity again. I accepted coach Chot’s decision before, but with this, I’m really happy,” he said. “I promise that whatever I’m showing in my game, they can expect the same, or even more.”
With him back in the pool, Abueva’s only concern is whether he’d get the go-signal to switch his jersey number from 8 to his 88.
“I hope they allow me to change it,” he said.