Magnolia Hotshots veteran Calvin Abueva thinks Converge FiberXers rookie Justine Baltazar needs some more polishing before becoming a complete player in the PBA.
Magnolia veteran Calvin Abueva finally got to test the mettle of fellow Kapampangan and rising Converge star Justine Baltazar in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Wednesday night, April 9.
His verdict?
“Si Balti, marami pang kakaining bigas. Pero nandoon 'yong katawan niya. Kulang pa sa mental [game],” the Magnolia star respectfully said of Baltazar.
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Abueva got the better of Baltazar in their first meeting as the Hotshots hammered out an 83-71 win as the league celebrated its 50th anniversary at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.
The 37-year-old Abueva had eight points, seven rebounds, two steals and one block in only 16 minutes of play.
Despite the loss, Baltazar made his presence felt inside the paint, registering a double-double of 11 points and 13 rebounds. He also had two assists and one block.
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Abueva said he was motivated to square off against Baltazar and Converge assistant coach Delta Pineda, considered the godfather of Pampanga basketball.
“Actually, mas naging motivated ako dahil kalaban ko sila. Siyempre, family ko 'yan sa Pampanga,” the former PBA Rookie of the Year said of Baltazar and Pineda.
“Siyempre trabaho 'to. Kailangan naming pukpukin. Kailangan naming trumabaho. As of now, ibang team tayo. Sa loob, magkalaban tayo pero sa labas, siyempre, boss ko 'yon (Pineda)," he added.