Calvin Abueva ‘really motivated’ to steer Phoenix back into contender status

MANILA, Philippines—Calvin Abueva is set to enter his first full season with Phoenix and he vowed to do everything in his power to help carry the team in the New Year.

Phoenix was subpar during the first two conferences, failing to enter the playoffs of the Philippine and Commissioner’s Cups but Abueva’s arrival to the team via trade with Alaska immediately changed the Fuel Masters’ caliber.

Abueva was stellar for the Fuel Masters in the Govenors’ Cup, putting up 15.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.3 blocks to help lead the team to an 8-3 record, its best finish in franchise history, for the second seed.

The Fuel Masters, however, faltered in the playoffs losing to Meralco in two games in the quarterfinals.

Abueva said the loss was a valuable lesson for them and the experience alone would help them in the upcoming 2019 Philippine Cup.

“It was the first time [since the 2017 Commissioner’s Cup] that this team entered the playoffs and we know we can return to that stage because we now have the experience that we can bring to the court,” said Abueva in Filipino after the team’s practice Friday at Upper Deck.

“I’m still relatively new to the team so I’m just really motivated to help my teammates in any way,” added Abueva.

The Beast, who’s a one-time champion with Alaska, is confident the Fuel Masters can make some noise in the Philippine Cup especially with the addition of four-time champion Alex Mallari and Dave Marcelo.

Mallari was part of the San Mig Coffee team that won the 2014 Grand Slam and Marcelo was part of Ginebra’s title-winning roster in the 2016 Governors’ Cup.

“Right now we’re getting ourselves in top condition and we’re fixing what needs to be fixed for the coming season,” said Abueva. “We also have new additions to the team and we’ll do whatever we can to help them get comfortable for the All-Filipino conference.”