Coach gives Abueva high mark in debut

TAIPEI – Gilas Pilipinas coach Tab Baldwin has admitted Calvin Abueva was not in his original wish list but  said he is happy the energetic Alaska Milk forward proved him wrong.

“I don’t mind revealing this now because Calvin and I have talked. He is a quality kid and a very good player as we can see,” said Baldwin. “I can see that this is a passion for him. It has all worked out for the best and I am happy on being proven wrong.”

Abueva has provided the energy for Gilas Pilipinas the way he does for his mother team in the PBA, making a good impression in practice and even in his Jones Cup debut.

The former San Sebastian star in the NCAA scored 15 points and hauled down five rebounds to help Gilas get past Chinese Taipei, 77-69, Sunday.

“We always know what he’s gonna get. He’s a ball of energy. He’s a solar energy. He’s amazing,” said Baldwin.

But Abueva should not have  been here had Baldwin got all the players he requested from the PBA.

“I wouldn’t have taken Calvin this year. He wasn’t in the original pool of 26,” said the outspoken Gilas coach.

“I think Calvin has some growing up to do, some learning to do. But he’s done a lot, adapted to the Gilas environment very well,” he added.

Baldwin said assistant coach Alex Compton, the Alaska bench chieftain in the PBA, is a big help.

“There’s no question that Alex’s influence on him while he is here is very positive and very strong. But a lot of credit has to go to Calvin himself. We’ve had some good chats and he’s taken it upon himself to adapt to the Gilas environment,” said Baldwin.