Robinson ‘happy’ as Abueva nominated for Sportsmanship award

Calvin Abueva returned to the PBA bubble for the Philippine Cup. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines — Calvin Abueva’s transformation following his 16-month suspension certainly didn’t go unnoticed.

Abueva, whose on-court contributions are sometimes overshadowed by his antics that led to his ban, has turned things around since his return last October in the PBA bubble.

As a testament to his exemplary showing, the Phoenix forward earned himself a nomination for the Samboy Lim Sportsmanship Award to be given during the virtual PBA Awards Night on Jan. 17

“So happy for him. He is really making the most of the opportunity given to him,” Phoenix coach Topex Robinson told INQUIRER.net Wednesday.

The other nominees are Rain or Shine’s Gabe Norwood, Barangay Ginebra’s Scottie Thompson, Terrafirma’s CJ Perez and NLEX’s Kevin Alas.

Things have been looking up for Abueva, who just signed a three-year extension with the Fuel Masters late last month.

The 32-year-old Pampanga native is also in the running for the Best Player of the Conference award.

Abueva played a vital role in Phoenix’s semifinals run in the Philippine Cup where the Fuel Masters came just a win away from what would have been their first-ever finals appearance.