The Converge FiberXers just got a beast—Calvin Abueva, that is—into their fold.
The up-and-coming franchise acquired Abueva from the Titan Ultra Giant Risers for second stringers Rey Suerte and King Caralipio, as well as rarely used rookie Mark Omega, in a trade that was approved by the PBA on Tuesday afternoon.
Converge Goes All-In with Calvin Abueva
After losing twice to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the quarterfinals of the recently concluded PBA Philippine Cup, it was a near certainty that the FiberXers would do everything to upgrade. They did that and more with the acquisition of Calvin Abueva, mainly because they didn’t have to surrender any of their key pieces. In short, getting one of the PBA’s best players for scraps is a huge win for Converge—a HUGE WIN.
Abueva gives Converge a veteran presence who can do a bit of everything. Last conference, in fact, The Beast was arguably the most productive player in the league, putting up 23.6 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in leading Titan Ultra to a respectable 4-7 record in its maiden tournament.
The Beast likely won’t be putting up those kinds of numbers in a loaded Converge lineup, but he’ll definitely shore up some holes and galvanize a young team smarting from a heartbreaking exit in the Philippine Cup. He’ll notably allow for some roster flexibility, as he can play power forward in small-ball configurations or small forward in bigger lineups. Abueva will also bring toughness, rebounding, and fearless playmaking to a team that looks to have accelerated its championship timeline.
Titan Ultra Shows True Colors
Prior to the start of Season 50, Titan Ultra team governor Emil Tiu famously said his team wouldn’t be backing down. And, at least for one conference, he was right. Now, his words ring hollow after this trade, where the Giant Risers gave up their heart and soul for bench players. Calvin Abueva was Titan Ultra, and Titan Ultra was Calvin Abueva. Now, he’s gone.
If anything, this trade is as lopsided as they come, as the combined production of Omega, Caralipio, and Suerte isn’t even a third of Abueva’s averages. Even with the benefit of the doubt, the Giant Risers got themselves decent role players at best—although it’s likely that none of Suerte, Caralipio, and Omega would be playing meaningful minutes if they were part of the league’s truly elite teams.
Needless to say, this isn’t a trade that makes Titan Ultra better. It makes them worse.
Grading the Trade
Converge FiberXers: A+
Any time you get one of the PBA’s best players, even if that player is turning 38 already, you deserve a good grade. And if you can do it without giving up your top eight players, then that deserves an A+ for sure.
Titan Ultra Giant Risers: F–
This trade isn’t just your average star player-for-a-bag-of-chips deal. It’s more a superstar for half a bag of chips. That’s how bad this trade is for Titan Ultra.
