CALVIN Abueva played his first game with NorthPort on Wednesday since being traded by Magnolia last week in a blockbuster deal that sent William Navarro to the Hotshots.
Ironically, the 37-year-old Abueva’s debut with the Batang Pier was against Phoenix, a team that he used to play for two years. He had 18 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in NorthPort’s 118-107 victory over Phoenix.
READ: Phoenix comes alive to ruin NorthPort debut of Calvin Abueva
Abueva’s statline is proof that he still has it, according to Phoenix star Jason Perkins, who still feels that his former teammate is an asset whichever team he goes to.
“I love playing against Calvin,” said Perkins, who had 26 points and eight rebounds for the Fuelmasters in Abueva’s first game with the Batang Pier.
“Calvin is a player I look up to. He is a mentor of mine. Learned from his successes and his mistakes," he added. “Wherever Calvin goes, I think they are lucky to have him."
Together with Matthew Wright, Abueva and Perkins led the Fuelmasters during the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup bubble where the Topex Robinson-coached squad reached the semifinals.
They were one win shy of advancing to the finals only to lose to TNT after capturing the final two games of their best-of-five semifinal series.
Perkins said even though Abueva is already in the twilight of his PBA career, he showed, just like on Wednesday, that he can still provide the energy for the team that he plays for, and give the opponent problems on the court.
“Calvin is 37 now but his motor is extremely high. He is always high on the scouting report, he works hard, and treats everyone with respect on the court and off the court," he said.
“I have nothing but good things to say about Calvin. I’m thankful everytime I get to play against Calvin. I really enjoy it."
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.
