CALVIN Abueva faced his former team on Wednesday, and he still has much love for Titan Ultra.
During warm-ups, he was seen greeting his ex-teammates with the Giant Risers, as well as the coaching staff now led by Rensy Bajar, who was assistant when Abueva played one conference for the franchise during the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup.
Abueva put on one of his best conferences with Titan Ultra, and was even in the running for Best Player of the Conference. But his stint with the Giant Risers was short-lived after demanding a trade come the offseason.
Eventually, Titan Ultra acceded to the request and dealt Abueva to Converge for Rey Suerte, King Caralipio, and Mark Omega to reunite him with his longtime mentor Delta Pineda.
“Close naman talaga ako (sa kanila) kahit one (conference) lang pinagsamahan namin,” he said. “Siyempre, hindi naman kakaiba yung mga tropa doon.”
Thorn on Titan Ultra's side
Coincidentally, Abueva, in his second game as FiberXer now in the Commissioner's Cup, churned out his best numbers for his new squad at the expense of his old team.
'The Beast' was unleashed for 16 minutes and two seconds and had 14 points, five rebounds, and one steal in their 103-82 win over the Giant Risers.
Abueva said the only thing in his mind during the game was to play better than his debut game against Rain or Shine where he had just five points, four rebounds, and two assists.
“Sa akin lang, yung first game ko (vs.) Rain or Shine, parang 50-50. Sabi ko nga kay Boss (Pineda), hindi pa ako handa para maglaro. Pero tinrabaho ko yung three days bago ng laro (vs. Titan Ultra). Mas gumaan at mas naging agresibo ako sa loob,” he said.
Indeed, work, he did against ex-teammates whom he considers good friends.
“Business eh, trabaho, magkaibang team. Kahit sa court, tatrabahuin mo. Pero sa labas, magkakaibigan,” he said.
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