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Calvin Abueva for an hour in a classroom at the University of Angeles Foundation on Thursday bounced off teammate before the first Phoenix Fuel Masters practice.
Acting head coach Topex Robinson said that’s how he knew Abueva was in the right mindset to play.
“I just told Matt [Wright]If Calvin is like that, that means we have the right Calvin, “Robinson said.
Right Calvin made his way to practice where he challenged his teammates. He was energetic. He did Calvin Abueva things, minus the things that led to his suspension 15 months ago when he dressed TNT import Terrence Jones.
“What you see in games is Calvin in practice. Catch everyone, challenge everyone. The energy and enthusiasm was there. He’s really fun. I love seeing him so happy. That’s the Calvin we’ve missed for the past year. when he’s gone he’s not part of the team, “Robinson said.
The PBA has not lifted Abueva’s suspension but has allowed him to join the team in the bubble. The Games and Entertainment Board (GAB) reinstated Abueva’s license on Friday.
Still, Abueva seemed happy. The team is happy and that bodes well as the team begins training camp for the restart of the PBA Philippine Cup at Clark Freeport Zone in Angeles, Pampanga.
Now Abueva will await a decision from PBA commissioner Willie Marcial. Robinson was quick to defend Marcial’s deliberate approach.
“There are so many things that people (don’t know) about what the commissioner’s office has done for Calvin,” Robinson said. “Of course there are things that they cannot let out because they respect the privacy of the matter. What I can guarantee is that they are really helping Calvin as a father, not just Calvin as a player. They are more concerned about that.”
The challenge that every coaching staff has faced is channeling Abueva’s momentum. Robinson partly jokingly suggested that Abueva look at the sportsmanship award instead of the conference best player award.
Robinson said that if he had to step onto the court to save Abueva from himself, the technical foul would be worth it.
“We have to make sure we are vigilant and try to make sure that he will not be in the same position again,” he said.
Robinson and Abueva go back a long way. Like her college coach, Robinson can read Abueva’s facial expression and body language in moments that lead to an outburst. She saw the signs the night of Abueva’s altercation with Jones.
Robinson regrets not being able to step onto the court and grab Abueva before things got out of hand. She promised not to let that happen again.
“I was so mad at myself. I know I was supposed to do something, but I wasn’t in a position to act at the time,” he said. “I told him now that I’m here. I’m not going to let that happen again.”
With that plan in place, the Fuel Masters wait for Abueva to be cleared by the PBA to play again.
