It seems the much-awaited comeback game of the player they call “The Beast” will take a little bit longer.
Merely two weeks left before the resumption of the stalled Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) 45th Season and season-opener Philippine Cup in Clark, Pampanga, the Commissioner’s Office said it will still not allow Calvin Abueva of the Phoenix Fuel Masters to play during the PBA restart under a “bubble” format.
The only reason given was that Abueva, who was suspended in June of last year, “has not completed the requirements yet.”
Abueva was suspended because of a clothesline tackle on then-TNT Katropa import Terence Jones and lewd gestures directed toward the girlfriend of now-TNT player Bobby Ray Parks, Jr., who was still playing for Blackwater Elite at that time.
It would have been a fitting comeback for the mercurial small forward/power forward, a star player during his NCAA days with the San Sebastian Stags, since it will be his chance to play in front of his “cabalen.” The team even included Abueva’s name in their 15-man roster in anticipation of his return.
Though disallowed, the team is still hoping Abueva could make it to the team in time for the PBA reopening.
Abueva hails from Angeles City in Pampanga, where the PBA restart will be played at the Angeles University Foundation (AUF) Gym starting October 9.
(Photo credit: dailyguardian.com.ph)