JONATHAN Uyloan shrugged off the punching incident with Calvin Abueva, saying he still respects the Alaska star a lot despite what happened in Game Four of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals on Friday.
“He’s a player I look up to as far as what he does on the court,” said the unheralded Rain or Shine guard. “Really sipag, hustle, rebounds. He does everything for Alaska.”
Uyloan believed the blow was intended for him, although he didn’t think it was personal.
“No hard feelings,” said the 31-year-old Uyloan shortly after the match which Rain or Shine won over Alaska, 98-91, to even their best-of-seven series, at 2-2.
“His forearm hit my stomach. I have a bruise here. People might think I’m faking it but I have a bruise here.”
Uyloan said he didn’t see the thing coming as he was just walking by following a Rain or Shine inbound, when suddenly Abueva casually went after him and hit him in the stomach.
He added there was nothing between him and Abueva that took place during the heat of the game.
“Maybe just some exchange of words in Game Two, but that’s basketball. It’s an emotional game,” said Uyloan.
Still, he said his respect for Abueva never waned.
“I really look up to him.”
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