Compton roots for Abueva in Gilas stint: ‘Hopefully he’s doing a great job’

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Alaska’s suspension of forward Calvin Abueva is still in effect but that didn’t stop head coach Alex Compton from showing love to his player who is in Taipei with Gilas.

Abueva’s time with the national team is the first time that the beleaguered forward appeared in public after going off the grid for weeks, which prompted the Aces to suspend him indefinitely.

“Hopefully he’s doing a great job, I’ve been with Calvin to Taipei before with Gilas so hopefully he’s enjoying his time there, there are a lot of Pinoys dun,” said Compton Wednesday at Gatorade Hoops Center.

Gilas is set to play against Chinese-Taipei in the Fiba World Cup Asian qualifiers in third window of the group stages.

“Hopefully we can come away with a win, it’d be nice to beat Taipei on their home because Australia will be an adventure and that’s a tough one,” added Compton.

The Philippines are at the second place of Group B with a 3-1 record and have already beaten Chinese-Taipei 90-83 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Compton said he’s proud of what Abueva’s done with the national team and he’s also equally happy for all the PBA players that are in the team.

“I’m always happy for anyone who plays in Gilas and of course Calvin because that’s an honor that’s afforded upon very few individuals to get to put ‘Pilipinas’ across their chest,” said Compton who was once an assistant coach for Gilas.

“I’m always happy for anybody who can make it and of course I’m happy for Calvin because he’s one of our players.”