The Beast thinks the setbacks he experienced happened for a reason.
Calvin Abueva has scored 5,019 points in his 11-year PBA career. He reached the milestone on Wednesday, when the Magnolia Hotshots defeated the Blackwater Bossing, 110-95, keeping their chances for a twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals alive.
What also remains alive is Abueva’s shot at a legendary career. It’s easy to say he’s already carved one, as Abueva is only the 96th member of the 5,000 points club in the PBA. He also has one PBA title and two Best Player of the Conference trophies.
It can also be argued, however, that the San Sebastian College product has had a career that’s been colorful—maybe too colorful for the taste of some.
In 2019, the PBA slapped Abueva, then a member of the Phoenix Fuel Masters, with an indefinite suspension. It was a decision that stemmed from multiple actions: one, his clothesline of former TNT Tropang Giga import Terrence Jones. Two, his verbal altercation with a fan—reportedly the girlfriend of Ray Parks. Abueva also made obscene gestures in that exchange, according to the PBA decision.
It was a suspension that sparked debate among the fans, but attracted too much of the spotlight on Abueva, thereby prompting a close critique on his attitude and style of play.
After 16 months, the league lifted the suspension, allowing Abueva to start anew. Fast forward to today, he has 5,000+ career points. He admits the milestone could have come earlier.
“Naano [na-suspend] pa nga ng 16 months. Kung ‘di naano, baka nagtuluy-tuloy.”
The bruising forward, nonetheless, acknowledges that the setback allowed him to be the man he is today.
“Actually, mas napaganda ‘yun, naging prepared ako pagbalik ko. Naayos ko lahat ng mga gusot,” he said. “Nagpapasalamat ako na na-achieve ko lahat. ‘Yung mga effort, ‘yung mga ginagawa ko, ‘yun, nagkabunga.”
Right now, Abueva’s team, the Magnolia Hotshots, has a chance to make noise in the playoffs. That is what’s keeping The Beast occupied, not the 5,000-point milestone.
“Malaking bagay as an individual… pero mas malaking bagay ‘yung effort na ‘yung team mo na makakapunta sa top.”