FILE PHOTO – Calvin Abueva. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Calvin Abueva finally showed up after going AWOL since the PBA All-Star break.
In a report by ESPN5’s Richard Dy and JC Ansis, Abueva joined Gilas Pilipinas practice on Monday at Meralco Gym.
Abueva had been nowhere to be found after playing in the All-Star Game in Iloilo more than two weeks ago.
The 30-year-old forward reappeared three days after the Alaska Aces released a statement announcing that they have decided to place Abueva under indefinite suspension for failing to report to the team.
In the statement, the Aces gave Abueva the green light to suit up for the national team if Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes opts to give him a slot in the lineup for the third window of the Fiba World Cup Asian qualifiers.
Reyes, however, reportedly cleared that resurfacing in practice doesn’t guarantee Abueva a spot in the final roster.
“[Abueva rejoining Gilas practice is] not a guarantee because he still has to earn his spot in the final 12 with [depending] on how he practices because we have different members here and Calvin knows that,” Reyes said as posted on ESPN5.
Also reportedly back training for Gilas is naturalized big man Andray Blatche, who arrived in Manila Saturday night.