‘Dream come true’ to play again, says Calvin

Calvin Abueva could not hide his excitement hours before making his long-awaited return to the PBA after a 16-month suspension.

“Ganda ng gising ko ngayon,” the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters said in an Instagram video posted Monday morning.

The Fuel Masters are scheduled to face the NLEX Road Warriors on Monday at the University of Angeles Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.

Abueva also expressed his gratitude to all who supported him since PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial granted him an indefinite suspension in June 2019 and the lengthy process he undertook to be reinstated.

“Thank you to all who support me and thank you for all your prayers,” Abueva said. “Here I can play and I offer you this game, especially to best friends who are always there (for) me.”

He also said that it is a dream to finally get the go-ahead from Marcial, who informed Abueva of the decision to lift the ban during a meeting on Saturday night.

Marcial told Abueva that there will be corresponding fines imposed if Abueva commits other misconduct, but also expressed hope that the suspension could help him change for the better.

“Later, let’s show what we’ve been playing for a year and six months since Calvin Abueva played,” Abueva said. “And now our dream of coming back has come true. And what game time is later. We have kits. “

His return is timely for Phoenix, which ended a two-game streak last Friday with a 91-84 victory over Magnolia.