Phoenix moved mountains to acquire the services of the enigmatic Calvin Abueva from Alaska. And based on what the Fuel Masters saw from him in the 113-107 win over Columbian Dyip in their 2018 PBA Governors' Cup opener, trading for him was worth it.
Abueva made an impact in his Phoenix debut, finishing with 12 points, including the game-sealing free throws, to go with 13 rebounds and five assists on Wednesday.
He also swatted three shots, including two in the final minute which proved to be crucial in stopping a potential Columbian comeback that recovered from 12 points down.
Phoenix coach Louie Alas was satisfied with the performance of the former Rookie of the Year. Abueva was just what the doctor ordered for the team missing a couple of players due to injury.
"Calvin was being Calvin. That's the reason we did everything to acquire him," said Alas in Filipino.
The veteran coach said he is allowing Abueva to play the game in true Calvin Abueva fashion..
"I told him I'm not going to intervene in his affairs outside the court," Alas said. "Play the game the way the old Abueva did."
But while Abueva was his usual beast form, the former San Sebastian star said everything seemed new to him. It was a new beginning for the former star who played only five games in the Commissioner's Cup after being slapped with an indefinite ban by the Aces.
That's why Abueva vowed to repay the trust Alas and the Fuel Masters gave him.
"I'll repay their trust of course," he said in Filipino. "I'll just do what I do. Grab offensive rebounds, do hustle plays; I have to show them what I can do."