Phoenix Super LPG coach Louie Alas continues to root for suspended Fuel Masters forward Calvin Abueva.
Alas said that should Abueva finally get reinstated, he still wants to see the same aggressive and ‘do-it-all’ player that made ‘The Beast’ one of the best players in the PBA.
He also wants to see a more ‘controlled’ and matured Abueva.
“Calvin being Calvin, kung saan siya affective gawin niya, but in controlled aggression. Yung na-experience (long suspension) niya, yun ang magtuturo sa kanya para mag-mature siya,” said Alas over the weekend on The Chasedown on Cignal TV’s One PH Channel.
Abueva is still serving an indefinite suspension handed down by the PBA last June 4, 2019 for a Flagrant 2 on TNT import Terrence Jones during the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup.
The clothesline foul on Jones also netted Abueva a P50,000 fine and additional P20,000 when he engaged a fan in a verbal altercation during the TNT-Phoenix game.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial has likewise ordered Abueva to do community service.
While serving the suspension, Abueva didn’t receive compensation from Phoenix management, forcing the former PBA Rookie of the Year to open a food business called Dampa ni The Beast.
Alas said the lengthy suspension, as well as not having a monthly salary, should be enough to teach Abueva his lesson, which Alas hopes would translate to an improved behavior on the player’s return.
“May isa pa siyang session, and that was two weeks ago. Hindi ko na nakausap si Calvin after that. Hopefully matapos na siya. Hindi naman sinasabi ni Commissioner Willie na pag matapos (session) ma-evaluate na niya or whatever,” said Alas.
“But I think nakita naman ni Calvin kung ano dapat niyang gawin – remorseful naman talaga siya. Napakita naman niya na gusto niya makabalik. Malaking bagay yung suspension niya.
“Kasi nung umpisa kala niya katulad lang mga nung dating suspensions (1 or 2 games). Hindi rin naman madaling mabuhay na walang sweldo. Na-experince lahat ni Calvin yan, nakikita namin na hirap na hirap siya.”
“Yun lang experience na yun malaking-malaking tulong sa kanya, kahit ako babaguhin ko ang dapat kong baguhin para sa pamilya ko. Hindi lang para kay Calvin, para sa pamilya niya.”
Prior to the coronavirus outbreak that forced the PBA to cancel the games and practice sessions, Alas said Abueva had been allowed to join the team’s training since January.