PBA: Calvin Abueva recovers from surgery, will miss several games

FILE–Magnolia’s Calvin Abueva. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Calvin Abueva has ruled himself out for the early portion of Magnolia’s campaign in the season-opening PBA Commissioner’s Cup after undergoing a procedure to remove hemorrhoids.

Abueva said Wednesday that his return will depend on how he recovers from the surgery that occurred shortly after a supposed stint with Gilas Pilipinas in the Hangzhou Asian Games didn’t push through.

“Baka mga last week ng November. Pero depende sa recovery kasi sobrang sakit pa,” Abueva said during the second day of the league’s Media Day at One Esplanade in Pasay City.

(I might return in the last week of November, but that depends on my recovery.)

Magnolia’s Calvin Abueva talks about his emotions during the Asian Games. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/1os49pZzKb

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) October 25, 2023

The colorful Hotshots forward said the condition was getting worse even after being initially tapped by coach Tim Cone to train with Gilas for the Asian Games.

But the trip to Hangzhou never came for Abueva after he was one of four players denied by the Asian Games Organizing Committee based on his absence from an updated list submitted by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

Terrence Romeo, Jason Perkins and Mo Tautuaa were the other players who had to be replaced.

“At least it didn’t happen there [in Hangzhou],” Abueva said in Filipino.

Gilas eventually put in CJ Perez, Chris Ross, Arvin Tolentino and Kevin Alas during the continental meet that ended with the country’s first gold medal since 1962.

“Sayang yung gold,” Abueva said. “Pero siyempre, mas importante pangangatawan natin.”