MANILA, Philippines — Controversial player Calvin Abueva may get his own “restart” in the PBA soon.
This as the suspended Phoenix forward said he has already completed the list of requirements PBA commissioner Willie Marcial laid down for his reinstatement.
Abueva has been in the doghouse since June 2019 for his behavior in a pair of incidents, and has since undergone a series of psychological and drug tests plus community service.
“Actually right now, tapos na lahat, results na lang ang hinihintay (I’m finished with all the requirements and I’m just awaiting the results),” Abueva said in Wednesday’s episode of Sports Page on One Sports.
He expects the results within two to three weeks, after which he would submit everything to Marcial to work on the lifting of his indefinite suspension.
“I don’t know kung kelan yun lalabas (when its exact release will be), yun lang din ang hinihintay (I eagerly await it),” he said.
“Alam mo yung pakiramdam na ‘uy, welcome na ulit ako sa PBA (I want to get that feeling that I’m welcome at the PBA again),” he added.
The 6-foot-2 Abueva said he used the 14-month career freeze to straighten out his act, from his family to his volatile temperament.
As such, he promised to be a lot more controlled when he hopefully returns to the court.
“Yung emosyon andyan lang yan, kasama sa laro pero yung temper yung ang kailangan i-limit (I will still be the same emotional player but I will have my temper in check now),” he said.
“Step forward ang mindset ko, kung paano ako makapagsimula ulit sa PBA (I’m determined to move on and start all over again in the PBA),” he added.
Although still under suspension, Abueva has actually gotten clearance from the PBA to join Phoenix’ practices since September last year. He is expected to take part when the Fuel Masters, along with the PBA clubs, start their IATF-approved non-scrimmage sessions by next week.