THE BEAST SHOWING MATURITY IN HIS GAME
CALVIN Abueva’s trouble past doesn’t appear to haunt him any longer.
Proof of that is Abueva’s stellar start this season that saw him star in Alaska’s three straight victories to start the PBA Philippine Cup.
Abueva, the 2012 PBA Rookie of the Year, unleashed the beast from within him last Tuesday, firing 26 points and hauling down 22 rebounds in a monster game that saw him lead Alaska’s daring fight back from an 18-point deficit in the second half.
The 6-foot-1 former NCAA Most Valuable Player capped his spirited performance by sinking the buzzer-beating floater after blowing past three defenders to lead the Aces to a 100-98 come-from-behind victory over the Tropang Texters.
The “Beast” then contributed 10 points, hauled down two boards and added one steal in a short 10-minute stint as the Aces stampeded over the Meralco Bolts, 105-64, three days later.
The 26-year-old Alaska swingman believes their concerted effort for the first three games this season is a product of their offseason preparation.
“Basta nandun pa rin yung pagkakaisa namin sa team, saka mas gagawin namin na yung sinimulan namin this preseason, gusto naming ipagpatuloy,” said Abueva.
Abueva’s conference averages of 19.0 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists in just 20 minutes of action made him the unanimous choice for the Accel-PBA Player of the Week for the period of Oct. 27 to Nov. 2.
Clearly, the energetic Alaska forward has showed his maturity in his third PBA season as he tries to help the Aces’ bid for championship no. 15.
The Aces’ two straight wins this past week added to their season-opening 93-73 demolition of reigning PBA grand slam champion Purefods Star Hotshots. They now share the early lead in the standings with San Miguel Beer at 3-0. (RD)
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