PBA: Ian Sangalang, Magnolia not giving up on Calvin Abueva

Magnolia Hotshots’ Calvin Abueva in the PBA Philippine Cup. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—In recent weeks, Calvin Abueva has been the brunt of social media criticisms after his middle finger fiasco that led to another suspension.

It was not like Abueva’s transgression was an isolated case, but his most recent antic angered more fans than usual with some saying the embattled forward doesn’t deserve a spot in the league with how he brings himself on the court.

Ian Sangalang, Abueva’s long-time acquaintance from way back in their San Sebastian days, sounded off on the fans anger towards Abueva and said the “Beast” is still very much a big factor for the Hotshots.

READ: PBA: Calvin Abueva suspended, fined after flashing middle finger

“Personally, I know Calvin. He’s a big thing for us. As long as he listens and is focused, he shouldn’t listen to social media, he should listen to himself. Calvin is a big factor, he’s a tough opponent. Once he’s focused he’s hard to guard, as long as his mindset doesn’t change,” Sangalang said in Filipino at Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Wednesday.

Abueva certainly showed as much, helping the Hotshots trounce Northport, 104-97, with an all-around effort of six points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and three steals in nearly 30 minutes of action.

Sangalang, who finished with a monster double-double of 32 points and 13 rebounds, said his job became so much easier with a returning Abueva in their arsenal.

READ: Calvin Abueva says indefinite suspension helped him reach PBA milestone

“You all know Calvin, he always goes hard to the basket so every time he drives inside, he sucks the defense with him. Every time he’s there, he’ll pass the ball so I know that when Calvin’s focused, he’ll play well,” said the former Golden Stag.

“If he always plays like this, who can defend us? It’s like he didn’t do anything other than play basketball tonight. Knowing Calvin, he’ll do more of those this season.”

Abueva returned to action on Wednesday after dealing with a one-game suspension from the Hotshots’ game against Ginebra two weeks ago.

Magnolia’s Ian Sangalang and coach Chito Victolero after returning to the win column. @INQUIRERSports https://t.co/qMwShQviCJ pic.twitter.com/nD0BDa6kAx

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) April 10, 2024

In that chapter of “Manila Clasico,” Abueva was seen flashing a middle finger to a fan which was seen on television by the public.

And while the suspension is done and the 20,000 pesos fine was dealt with, Sangalang emphasized that he and the squad have no intention of giving up on the multiple-time league All-Star.

Sangalang is a living testament to how solid Magnolia is with its players after recovering from hyperthyroidism with the Hotshots supporting him all the way.

“We help everyone here. People saw what happened with me before and they helped me, what more if it’s about these simple things? He (Abueva) just needs someone to talk to, and he would bounce back the next game. It happened here in this game.”