CALVIN Abueva admitted there was an extra motivation as he and Magnolia took on Converge in the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup.
Abueva had eight points, seven rebounds, two steals, and one block in the Hotshots’ 83-71 win over the FiberXers where he had familiar faces on the other side of the fence.
READ: Sangalang a headache for Pineda, Converge as Magnolia posts win No. 2
Converge has Pampanga governor and FiberXers assistant coach Dennis Pineda, who was instrumental in Abueva rise to priominence, helping him land a spot at San Sebastian in the NCAA. Pineda is in his first conference in his current role with the FiberXers.
Abueva also went up against Justine Baltazar, his fellow Kapampangan and is touted as the future of Pampanga basketball. Prior to his entry in the PBA, Baltazar won two MVPs and two titles in the MPBL with the Pampanga Giant Lanterns.
“Mas naging motivated ako kasi nakalaban ko sila,” said the 37-year-old Abueva. “Family ko ‘yun, Pampanga.”
Abueva said his mindset was to play his best against his provincemates.
“Siyempre, trabaho ko ‘to. Kailangan naming pumukpok. Kailangan naming mag-trabaho,” said Abueva.
“As of now, ibang team tayo. Siyempre, sa loob, magkalaban tayo pero sa labas, siyempre boss ko ‘yun,” said Abueva, referring to Pineda.
As for Baltazar, Abueva gave him props and is certainly brought into the younger Kapampangan's potential, as shown by his performance on Wednesday when he had 11 points and 13 rebounds.
But he still sees room for improvement for the 28-year-old.
“Si Balti, marami pang kakaining bigas,” said Abueva. “Pero nandoon ‘yung katawan niya. Pero kulang pa."
On what it is, Abueva said: "Mental,” referring to the mental side of the game.
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