It's been more than a year since Calvin Abueva was been suspended by the PBA, yet there’s still no sign of ‘The Beast’s’ return to action.
It has been a struggle for the hardworking, 32-year-old forward of the Phoenix Fuel Masters as he needed to go through a gruelling process of serving the indefinite suspension imposed on him by the pro league.
But it will only be a matter of time and Abueva might find himself back on the hard court. The PBA holds its bubble tournament in Clark, Pampanga and signs of the former San Sebastian stalwart coming back is getting clearer by the day.
Games of the PBA, once it restarts, will all be held at the Angeles University Foundation Arena, which is a few kilometers away from Abueva’s hometown. It’s a perfect setting, and although he won’t enjoy the home-court advantage, the player’s return is highly anticipated, not just by the local folks there, but the PBA community in general.
We expect to see a reborn Abueva, who is out heal himself from “self-inflicted” wounds. Admittedly, the excess baggage he had been carrying were too much of a burden and the player exploded about 15 months ago following the incident he got involved with TNT import Terrence Jones.
What the fans would love to see is the same energetic Abueva, whose motor and adrenaline every game are like no other. We would love to witness the same intensity, but more tamed in controlling his emotions. We would like to see a player, who has learned his lessons.
We would want to have an Abueva that is determined to recapture the stardom, the street ball enthusiasm that was well-loved by fans, who emulated his style of play because it was a tailor-fit to the Pinoy brand of basketball. Nothing is more exciting to watch than a free-wheeling player, who would do whatever it takes to win, carrying the devil-may-care attitude.
That’s the Abueva we knew. A player who plays with pure joy and passion.
Pending the approval of PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, Abueva might be back in action in no time. The player has already been practicing with the squad as the league allowed him to rejoin the Fuel Masters in small group practices. It’s a good way to start just to get the ball rolling and allow him to get the feel of the court.
Once the five-on-five scrimmages are allowed, expect the excitement to build up more.
Fans are thrilled for the return of the PBA. Pinoy hoop junkies certainly have every reason to do so. The NBA conference finals are now on going and in just a month’s time, there will be new champions in the world’s leading sports entertainment.
Abueva would be an instant attraction for the league’s return, not just because fans missed him badly, but the return to action might serve as a perfect setting for a new and improved Abueva.
And in a heartwarming lead, it’s best to write that ‘The Beast’ is finally home.
