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So far, so good with ‘behaved, obedient’ Calvin Abueva for Magnolia, says Victolero


Chito Victolero is happy and content with what forward Calvin Abueva is showing on the floor so far during Magnolia’s buildup for the PBA Season 46.

The Hotshots coach bared that Abueva has been on his best behavior and not showing any hint of the antics that once earned him the longest-ever suspension to be handed out to a PBA player.

And Victolero hopes the animated player is in it for the long haul.

“He’s doing very well so far and he’s adjusting very well to the system,” Victolero said in a mix of Filipino and English in an interview with GMA News Online.

“He’s been behaving well and very obedient to what the coaches are instructing him to do. We’re hoping that this side of him will be carried over into actual games.”

Victolero said Abueva’s presence has been a huge boost to the team especially after the retirement of veteran forward Marc Pingris, who had been the Hotshots’ stalwart on defense since 2009.

“With Ping gone, we really have to get enough support from Calvin and we’re confident he’s up to the challenge because we all know what he can bring to the table,” Victolero explained.

Abueva was impressive in his return to PBA last year after a 16-month suspension, posting averages of 13.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists.

And more than these numbers, the former San Sebastian College standout also showed improvement in his on-court behavior, earning himself nominations not just for Best Player of the Conference but also for the Sportsmanship award.

Neither award went his way, though, as Ginebra’s Stanley Pringle and Scottie Thompson bagged the BPC and Samboy Lim Sportsmanship plums, respectively.

Victolero said he’s confident Abueva could start fresh with the Hotshots, who are eyeing to get back on championship track since winning the Governors’ Cup title in 2018.

“That’s our hope,” said Victolero when asked if Abueva can help them bring another title to the franchise.

“What’s good with Calvin is you can see the eagerness to learn and willingness to help the team in any way.”

—JMB, GMA News

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