The "Beast" is willing to play for Gilas again
MANILA (FIBA Asia Cup 2017) - Calvin Abueva missed the cut to play for the Philippine national team in the FIBA OQT 2016, but the man many call "The Beast" is willing to put his name in the pot again
MANILA (FIBA Asia Cup 2017) - Calvin Abueva missed the cut to play for the Philippine national team in the FIBA OQT 2016, but the man many call "The Beast" is willing to put his name in the pot again for Gilas Pilipinas this year.
The Philippines are set to play in the SEABA 2017 Championship, which serves as the main ASEAN sub-zone qualifier for the FIBA Asia Cup 2017. Only the SEABA champion will advance to the continental tournament and the chance to play in Division A of the qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China.
Returning coach Chot Reyes is set to name his initial 24-man Gilas Pilipinas pool this weekend, and many expect Abueva to be among the shoo-ins, together with Jayson Castro, Terrence Romeo and reigning PBA Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo, who has yet to really make a splash on the international stage.
It was well documented how Abueva was disappointed at not being able to play in the OQT last year, but the 28-year-old wingman is open to trying out for the national side again.
"Of course, if given the chance by team management, I'll join," he recently told Spin.ph. "They're the ones who should be given the notice, and if they give me the go signal, then I'm okay."
Gilas final cuts Calvin Abueva, Jonathan Grey willing to suit up if given another chance | By @gerardmos https://t.co/y5Zl8yHQip pic.twitter.com/eGueHX231K
— SPIN.ph (@spinph) January 12, 2017
Abueva played for the Philippines in the FIBA Asia Championship 2015, where he helped lead the Filipinos to a bridesmaid finish right behind hosts China. In that tournament, Abueva turned a lot of heads with his energy and grit, averaging 8.9 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. His best game was against South Asian kings India, where he put up 12 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 assist.
If Abueva finds himself in the final Philippine roster come the SEABA and FIBA Asia jousts, he is hoping to just help out the team in any way he can.
"Whatever they feel I can contribute to the team, that's what I'll do," he said.
Should coach Chot pick Abueva, the 1.88m player's experience, motor and skill-set will definitely make Filipino fans expect big things of "The Beast."
FIBA