Abueva vows to make most out of Reyes’ trust

Second chances don’t come too often, that’s why Calvin Abueva is grateful to be included in the 14-man Gilas Pilipinas team that will go up against Australia in the second window of the Fiba World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers in Melbourne on Thursday.

“It’s like my world was turned upside down,” said Abueva after he was initially dropped from consideration by national team coach Chot Reyes due to absences in practices.

Dealing with personal matters that also affected his performance with PBA team Alaska, Abueva vowed to make up for his shortcomings and has since appeared in every Gilas Pilipinas’ practice.

“I’m glad that I’m given this opportunity again,” he said. “I promise that whatever I’m showing in my game, they can expect the same, or even more.”

Leading Reyes’ lineup, announced on Sunday night, are naturalized Andray Blatche, Jayson Castro, and four-time PBA Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo.

Also part of the squad which left for Melboune on Monday are Gabe Norwood, Japeth Aguilar, Allein Maliksi, Kevin Alas, RR Pogoy, Matthew Wright, Jio Jalalon, Carl Bryan Cruz and Kiefer Ravena.

Filipino-American big man and Gilas cadet member Abu Tratter will also join the Philippine team, which is missing injured big men Troy Rosario and Mac Belo.