FOR the next three years, Calvin Abueva will continue to ignite the fuel for Phoenix Super LPG.
The reformed eccentric forward was signed to a fresh, three-year max deal by the Fuel Masters on Tuesday following a season that saw Abueva make a successful PBA comeback from a long 16-month suspension.
The P15-million contract was signed by Abueva in the presence of Phoenix board of governor Atty Raymond Zorilla.
"We hope this new deal will serve as an added motivation for his continued reformation and focus in his game," said team manager Paolo Bugia.
Abueva, 32, was reinstated by the PBA midway through the Philippine Cup bubble after almost two years of inactivity following two oncourt incidents involving former TnT import Terrence Jones and the girlfried of TnT guard Ray Parks Jr.
After undergoing a series of test and counseling, Abueva was a changed man on the court as far as his behavior is concerned.
But not his game.
He nearly averaged in triple double in the eliminations by norming 13.6 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 6.6 assists as he proved to be the energizer he’s always been for the Fuel Masters.
Abueva’s all-around game helped Phoenix make heads turn as the team went deep in the playoffs, where they stretched TnT Tropang Giga to sudden-death in the fight for a berth in the finals after blowing a 2-1 series lead in the semis.
"Management is pleased with his performance and improvement in the last bubble conference," Bugia stressed.
"We look forward as we garner more success together in the coming conferences."
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
