LETTING go of Calvin Abueva wasn't easy on the part of the Magnolia franchise.
Magnolia coach Chito Victolero made this clear following the deal that sent 'The Beast' to Northport for upcoming big man William Navarro.
READ Magnolia trades Abueva, Balanza, draft pick to NorthPort for Navarro
Along with Abueva, the Hotshots also had to give up Jerrick Balanza and a second-round draft pick in Season 51 to make the trade happen.
"Trading Calvin was one of the toughest decisions we've had to make. He's been an integral part of our team for the last four years, not just through his performance on the court, but also with his energy and dedication," said Victolero.
But at the same time, the Hotshots have to think about what lies ahead as their roster is not getting any younger.
Abueva is already 37-year old, the same age as fellow stars Paul Lee, Mark Barroca, and Ían Sangalang.
"We also have to think about the future of the team. Bringing in a young, up and coming talent like Navarró is a step we believe na kailangan na naming gawin to strengthen our team and keep us competitive moving forward," said Victolero.
'Harvest season': Fans react to Abueva, Balanza, Navarro trade
A SPIN.ph source said the trade deal has long been in the pipeline, but it's only now that it's been consummated.
Victolero confirmed it, saying the trade was planned way before Magnolia beat Northport in a PBA Philippine Cup road game in Candon, Ilocos Sur last Saturday to clinch the first berth in the quarterfinals, 106-97.
"Hindi naman sa Candon (Ilocos Sur) ito napag-usapan. Actually, matagal na talaga ito," he said.
Navarro, a Gilas special draft pick by Northport in the Season 46 draft, had a double-double of 27 points and 13 rebounds in his final game as a Batang Pier.
He added four steals and three assists.
In all, Navarro emerged as the leading scorer of Northporth this conference with averages of 20.5 percent on a high 52 percent shooting.
That perhaps is one of the major reasons the Hotshots laid their eyes on the 28-year-old forward.
"Minsan kasi you’re forced to make hard choices — not because you want to, but because you need to," said Victolero.
But most definitely, Magnolia will miss whatever Abueva usually brings to the table.
"Iba kasi yung energy ni Calvin, alam nating lahat yan. He gave everything for this team, and we’re deeply grateful for his contributions," added Victolero.
"We wish Calvin nothing but success, and he’ll always be a part of the Magnolia family."
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