CALVIN ABUEVA minced no words in expressing his excitement over his transfer to the Magnolia Hotshots where he looks forward to a reunion with college teammate Ian Sangalang.
“I was surprised but I am really, really excited,” Abueva told BusinessMirror on Thursday just hours after the Philippine Basketball Association trade committee approve his transfer from Phoenix Super LPG to Magnolia in exchanghe for Chris Banchero.
“It’s like a falling star dropped on my house and changed everything for good,” said Abueva, who turned 33 only last February 4. “It’s a dream come true to play alongside Ian [Sangalang]. I will grab this rare opportunity and play my best there.”
The 6-foot-4 Abueva, 6-foot-7 Sangalang and guard Ronald Pascual formed a deadly San Sebastian College trio that won the 2009 National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball crown.
“I know how to go along with him [Sangalang] and we’re very familiar with each other,” Abueva said. “At the same time, I am now in a strong franchise. I would like to thank Phoenix for helping me during the times when I needed them, but just as what I said before, I have no idea about this trade.”
The trade was consummated on Wednesday with Phoenix also giving up its 10th overall pick in next month’s Rookie Draft. Magnolia, on the other hand, also traded its sixth and 18th overall pick in the draft.
Abueva is expected to give the Hotshots a deadly aggressive scoring and defending wingman option.
“It wasn’t easy to let go of a player like Calvin [Abueva], considering that he has been through thick and thin with Phoenix,” Fuel Masters Coach Topex Robinson told BusinessMirror. “We thank Calvin for everything that he has done for us, and we wish him all the best in his new journey.”
Robinson said the trade would benefit his team in the long run.
“We’re excited to acquire a first round pick from a very deep draft and together with Banchero, who is a superstar in his own right, the team has a great opportunity to grow in the years to come,” said Robinson, who is hoping to tab the likes of Jeremiah Grey and Mikey Williams, among others, in the talent-laden online draft on March 14.
Magnolia coach Chito Victolero said he was informed by team management on Wednesday about the trade, stressing he could not resist someone like Abueva. But Victolero cautioned that Abueva’s strong performance with the team won’t happen overnight.
“It’s hard to resist a trade if you’re getting someone like Abueva. Although we improved our lineup, it doesn’t guarantee you with a championship because every team is improving like Barangay Ginebra, San Miguel Beer and TNT Tropang Giga. It’s still a long process,” Victolero said.
Abueva, who was signed by Phoenix to a maximum three-year contract last December worth P14 million, showed massive improvement inside the bubble last season after coming out from an indefinite suspension that lasted 17 months.
He averaged 13.6 points and 10.6 rebounds in six games in his return to the Fuel Masters.
Abueva played a major role when Phoenix booted out Magnolia in the quarterfinals to reach the Philippine Cup semifinals.
Banchero averaged 11 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 11 games for Magnolia last year.
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