Magnolia Hotshots forward Calvin Abueva.–PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—After playing a reduced role for Magnolia last Commissioner’s Cup with import Tyler Bey in tow, Calvin Abueva was back to his usual self on Saturday in the Hotshots’ PBA Philippine Cup opener.
Abueva showed why he’s still one of the best forwards in the league with 14 points, eight rebounds, four assists, one steal and a block in less than 20 minutes of action to help Magnolia cruise past Converge, 106-75.
SCHEDULE: 2024 PBA Philippine Cup
“When you guys notice or watch him (Abueva) in practice, you’ll see he’s still the same old him,” said coach Chito Victolero in Filipino at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
“Nothing’s changed but hopefully, he’s very motivated right now… For him, he’s always been like that. Good mood. We’re just guiding him to be more motivated this time. Here in the All-Filipino, all of them have bigger roles because there’s no import.”
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With Bey leading Magnolia in the Commissioner’s Cup, Abueva came off the bench and averaged 7.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. The Hotshots made the finals but lost to the San Miguel Beermen in six games.
Now back to playing more minutes, Abueva showed his worth not only through his numbers but also with his energy and effort.
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“Calvin’s really contagious. In practice, that’s really how he is. We see him in practice and we follow him so he still has such a huge impact on us,” said Magnolia guard Jio Jalalon in Filipino after also stuffing the stat sheet with 14 points, three rebounds, seven assists and five steals.
“Sometimes, we need to control him but Calvin’s Calvin,” he added.