The Titan Ultra Giant Risers pulled off a gigantic upset against the Meralco Bolts on Wednesday, and no one rose to the occasion more than Calvin Abueva. The artist known as “The Beast” poured in a career-best 41 points—12 more than his previous career high of 29—on top of 7 rebounds, the last being a game-sealing offensive board where he outhustled three Bolts for the ball.
It was a yeoman’s effort to say the least, a beastly performance from one of the PBA’s best. But at 37, it’s fair to wonder if Abueva still has enough juice to continue playing at such a high level and to be Titan Ultra’s main man for an entire season. It’s fair to wonder, given how hard Abueva plays and how much he gives it all on the court, as seen in how he dove for the loose ball in the dying seconds to preserve the Giant Risers’ giant upset.
Does Calvin Abueva Have Enough Gas to Last an Entire Season?
Judging by what Calvin Abueva said postgame, there’s plenty of fight left in him. In fact, he knows full well he’s got more game to show, even with his advancing age.
“Ako ‘yung taong hindi mo makikitaan ng kahinaan. Makikita mo lang ako ng kahinaan pag family ko na naaargabyado. Pero this team, hindi mo ko makikitaan ng kahinaan,” said Abueva, who was visibly joyful in attending the postgame press conference usually reserved for the coach or the Best Player of the Game. “Pinupursige ko ‘to, itong paglalaro ko kasi basketball, ‘yan kinakabuhay natin. In my age, kelangan ko pokpokin ‘to kasi meron e, meron at meron pa. May ilalabas pa.”
That has to be encouraging for Titan Ultra coach Johnedel Cardel, who emphasized in the same postgame presser that Abueva will play a huge role for the Giant Risers, especially on offense as one of the team’s go-to guys.
On Wednesday, Calvin Abueva rewarded that trust and all but vowed he can do even more.
