The Beast Has Been Unleashed: Calvin Abueva Debuts As An Alaska Aces
Rookie Calvin Abueva proves why he is the 2nd overall pick and lived by his nickname “The Beast” as he had a beastly performance from his debut PBA game as an Alaska Aces, registering 12 points and 16 rebounds. A double-double performance as a rookie and for him, it is like another day in the office….or in the basketball court.
Calvin Abueva was drafted by Alaska Aces, 2nd overall pick during the 2012 PBA Rookie Draft. He just played his first PBA game last October 19, 2012 against the powerhouse team of Petron Blaze Boosters because he is still a college player for San Sebastian when Alaska drafted who just recently eliminated by Letran Knights on their final four match-up. A big lost for San Sebastian Stags and a big gain for Alaska Aces as Alaska management and coach Luigi Trillo has been waiting for “The Beast” to don his Alaska Aces jersey number 8 and Calvin Abueva didn’t disappoint them by helping Alaska to win a come from behind game against Petron.
Although the best player of the game is Dondon Hontiveros and also Cyrus Baguio contributed 21 points plus a good shooting performance beyond the arc by RJ Jazul and MC Baracael, I don’t think that these players overshadowed Abueva’s first professional basketball game. Yes, Hontiveros and Baguio scored a lot of points compared to Abueva but they are supposed to do that and they are used in scoring points as well as shooting threes but imagine a 6’2″ rookie from NCAA who brings energy to the Alaska Aces that started the run to seal the ball game. Imagine a 6’2″ player who guards Petron’s big men such as Arwind Santos, Jay Washington and even the massive, Dorian Pena. Imagine a 6’2″ player who box outs, play hustle ball game and even set a screen that destroys the game of Alex Cabagnot. Imagine a 6’2″ player getting a double-double performance of 12 points and 16 rebound in just 27 minutes of play. Only Calvin Abueva can do that.
I can safely say that he fits perfectly for the Alaska Aces as the Aces really needs a hustle and defensive player who can battle for boards every time and can bring the fans on their feet. The future looks bright for “The Beast” and hopefully, he’ll get better under Luigi Trillo and his coaching staff and improve on his temper and attitude.
image via: AKTV