Star veterans cross paths as Beermen, Risers clash

The top two picks of the 2012 PBA Draft have had vastly different career paths.

June Mar Fajardo has won nine Most Valuable Player trophies playing for the same San Miguel Beer franchise that drafted him throughout his career. Calvin Abueva, meanwhile, has had his share of accolades—including famously nudging past Fajardo for the Rookie of the Year trophy.

Abueva, however, has been on quite a ride since being drafted by Alaska. He has had stints with Phoenix, Magnolia and Northport, the team that was purchased by his current club, Titan Ultra.

Double-doubles

The two will cross paths again—the Beermen and the Giant Risers colliding on Wednesday in the PBA All-Filipino Cup. When both veterans take the court, they will carry something similar into the game.

Fajardo and Abueva are averaging solid double-doubles for their squads. The Beermen center is averaging 15 points and close to 19 rebounds a game in a tournament where he always seems to play his best. Abueva, meanwhile, will carry averages of 22 points and 10 rebounds into the showdown.

The two teams face off in the second game of a doubleheader scheduled at Ynares Center in Rodriguez, Rizal, with the Beermen eyeing a fifth straight win after a 0-2 start to the tournament. Titan, meanwhile, looks to bolster a 2-4 card.

The Wednesday playdate opens at 5:15 p.m. with Terrafirma and Phoenix in a crucial game where both teams try to bolster their playoff bids. —INQUIRER SPORTS DESK INQ