CALVIN Abueva has changed his jersey number to No. 73 because of Dennis Rodman, and his plan is to emulate his style of play for Magnolia in the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup.
The 37-year-old Abueva said he also switched his number because his age, when interchanged will result to 73.
READ: Lucero leads balanced Magnolia attack in rout of Blackwater
But the main reason is because of Rodman, who wore No. 73 during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers later in his colorful 14-year career in the NBA.
“Alam niyo kung sino ‘yan,” said Abueva.
“Na-realize ko na kailangan ko siguro gamitin ‘yun this conference. Masyado na tayong na-ano sa trese. Pinalitan ko lang ng 1 ‘yung 7. My age na 37, binaligatad ko siya and ‘yung number na ‘yun, kay Rodman.”
Abueva said he wants to provide the intensity that Rodman did during his NBA career through rebounding and hustle.
“Ngayon, kailangan ko i-prepare ‘yung sarili ko para sa number na ‘yun. Actually, this all-Filipino, eto ‘yung time namin na pumasok sa semis o sa finals.”
Abueva is off to a good start in wearing the new jersey number when he had 13 points and six rebounds in Magnolia’s 106-84 win over Blackwater in its first game in the 49th Season Philippine Cup.
“This is Game 1 pa lang eliminations. Kailangan naming ipakita ngayon kung ano ‘yung mga pinapakita namin sa practice. Sa practice, doon namin makukuha ‘yung communication namin at chemistry para madala sa game,” said Abueva.
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