Abueva determined to repay Alas’ trust as he begins Phoenix journey

Calvin Abueva has embarked on a new chapter in his polarizing PBA career.

After six years with Alaska, the Beast has found a new home in Phoenix with an all too familiar face in head coach Louie Alas.

Abueva and Alas have shared a professional relationship since their days in Alaska, and their reunion in Phoenix is just a resumption of what transpired inside the Aces’ camp.

“When I knew that the trade for Calvin was a done deal I summoned him so we can talk and I told him what I’ve always told him before,” said Alas in Filipino after Phoenix’ 113-107 win over Columbian in the PBA Governors’ Cup Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“I said ’Calvin, we’re like two close friends because I was your assistant coach before so now let me coach you. I won’t interfere with your activities outside of basketball unless you swerve in the wrong direction. Just play how you want to play, bring back the old Calvin Abueva,’” added Alas.

This kind of trust was what endeared Abueva to Alas, and the 30-year-old forward plans to repay that confidence through his play on the basketball court.

Abueva was a human derby during the Fuel Masters’ game against the Dyip and finished with 12 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks with two of those rejections happening in the final minute of the fourth.

The former Philippine international swatted Jerramy King’s shot with 55 seconds left in the game and Phoenix nursing a 109-107 lead.

“Whatever trust coach Louie has in me, I will repay that,” said Abueva who was dealt to Phoenix before the start of the conference after multiple absences under Alaska.

“The things I do on the court are for coach Louie, the offensive rebounds, the hustle plays, the extra effort in the crucial moments, you have to show how far you’re willing to go,” added Abueva who won the 2013 Commissioner’s Cup with the Aces and Alas.

Abueva, who had eight offensive rebounds, grabbed two crucial offensive boards after his block on King that allowed him to go to the stripe and give the Fuel Masters a 110-107 lead with 24.5 seconds left in the game.

“This is a fresh start for me,” said Abueva. “I will do my job before I think of what I’ll do next.”