CLARK FREEPORT – Even off the court, Calvin Abueva is proving to be an energizer for the Phoenix Super LPG team.
The eccentric forward has become the No. 1 cheerleader of the Fuel Masters while he awaits his time to finally suit up and play in the PBA Philippine Cup.
Aside from linking himself and teammate Alex Mallari as part of the virtual fans who watched Phoenix demolish Meralco on Monday night, Abueva also offered members of the team something to eat the moment the Fuel Masters returned to the Quest Hotel from the Angeles University Foundation gym.
“Last night he was very happy going to our rooms. He even brought food for us,” disclosed veteran forward JC Intal of his teammate’s gesture following Phoenix’s 116-98 victory over Meralco.
“You will feel his energy on and off the court.”

Top gunner Matthew Wright agreed, acknowledging how the suspended forward still impacts the Fuel Masters as their vocal team leader.
“Calvin is Calvin. You know how he is and his energy is very contagious,” said Wright, who fired a game-high 36 points in the most lopsided game so far inside the league bubble. “He’s the vocal leader in our team, also an emotional leader.
“He has a powerful impact on the team just from his presence, just being out there.”

Both Intal and Wright know what Abueva could do for the team once his indefinite suspension is lifted and he is finally allowed to play after a 15-month layoff.
“Just to think how much better we could be when Calvin and Alex (bum stomach) come back. We can be a scary team as long as they come in and blend with us,” said Wright.
Intal added, “In a few more games we’ll see him, hopefully.”
Abueva still has one scheduled webinar with the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) before he finally get a new playing license, although the final decision on when he’s going to play remains in the hands of the Commissioner’s Office.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph