HOW do you solve a problem like Calvin Abueva?
Another round of talk, says Abueva's Magnolia Hotshots coach Chito Victolero whose patience is probably running thin but is nevertheless hopeful that a serious discussion with the volatile forward will right the ship and result in a victory for the team which trails San Miguel, 0-2, in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.
Victolero sat down with 'The Beast' after Game 1 of the best-of-seven series after showing displeasure with the player's game antics which the coach said affected the team's performance and might have cost them the game.
READ PBA gathers first-hand accounts on Abueva-Tautuaa hallway spat
Then came Game 2 and Abueva was again involved in some incidents which made the rounds in the Internet, social media and newspapers.
“We just need to talk to him again,” said Victolero, noting the usual antics and fouls Abueva did in the first two games.
“We need to (talk to him) because sa personal fouls niya nalalagay din yung team namin sa penalty. So I think we just need to be better on that and I think he needs to be better at that.”
Victolero, though, refused to talk about Abueva’s post-game spat with Mo Tautuaa and his reported mocking of San Miguel coach Jorge Gallent during the game, noting the Hotshots have enough issues to be concerned with especially after losing back-to-back for the first time this season.
Abueva was called for an unsportsmanlike foul against Tautuaa in the early part of the fourth quarter, and then a few minutes later, was whistled for a technical foul together with Gallent after the two got involved in a verbal altercation.
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The foul against Tautuaa was Abueva's fifth and Victolero opted to take him out for good. He finished with three points (1-of-7 shooting), seven rebounds, and two assists.
Victolero earlier said he talked to Abueva after losing Game 1 in which he committed four fouls and had six points on 2-of-10 shooting and six rebounds.
Fortunately for Abueva, Victolero continues to believe that if the player stays true to his abilities, there is a chance, even though it's a small one, that they can turn this series around.
“He’s a veteran. So bawi na lang siguro,” said the Magnolia coach.
But that would require Abueva to contain his emotions, play the game in the manner he is capable of, avoid distractions and, more importantly, think about the overall welfare of the team.
A tall order for a guy not exactly known for keeping his temper in check.
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