Aces unleash ‘The Beast’

Calvin Abueva challenges the defense of Ginebra’s Willie Wilson. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

The transition from the collegiate game to the pros doesn’t seem to be a problem for Alaska rookie Calvin Abueva.

Just weeks after racking up triple doubles in the NCAA, Abueva took his dynamic game to the PBA—and has not disappointed.

And just like that, the former San Sebastian standout has turned the tournament around for Alaska Milk, the team that picked him second in the PBA Rookie Draft last August.

With his boundless energy, athleticism and amazing workrate, the player known as “The Beast” carried the Aces to back-to-back wins over Air21 and Barangay Ginebra last week.

The Pampanga-born cager averaged 17.5 points, 10.5 rebounds in a pair of terrific performances that had coach Luigi Trillo beaming with pride. Abueva has actually averaged a double-double in three games with the Aces.

With Abueva fueling their bid, the Aces racked up three straight wins that put them in a share of second spot.

“He’s a ball of energy who brings so much passion to the game for us,” said Trillo of the 24-year-old forward, who was named Accel PBA Player of the Week for Oct. 22 to Oct. 28.

Trillo has marveled at the 6-foot-2 Abueva’s versatility playing different positions. Abueva’s performances have given his coach reason to draw parallelisms with Alaska’s do-it-all import in the 1990s, Sean Chambers.

“Undersized with a very big heart,” said Trillo in describing Abueva, who tallied 19 points and nine rebounds in Alaska’s 87-69 victory over Ginebra last Sunday.

“When he comes in, he’s intimidating.”