Coach Louie Alas, looking forward on Calvin Abueva's return in the pros

Coach Louie Alas during one of the games of the Letran Knights when he was still coaching in the NCAA. Photo courtesy of Coach Louie's Facebook Page.

By Xy-Zha Cabanlong

Manila, Philippines - Phoenix LPG Fuel Masters Head Coach Louie Alas is hopeful that once the community quarantine all over the country is lifted and the PBA gets the green light to resume the league, Calvin Abueva will also get the nod from the league to don his jersey again.

In an interview at The Ultimate Fan Hub Podcast on Saturday night, Coach Louie mentioned that Calvin has been complying with the conditions that the PBA had given him for the duration of his suspension from playing only that the pandemic broke out.

"Hopefully, ma-meet na namin yung mga requirements para makasama na sya sa amin sa Philippine Cup.Dapat tapos na nga yan [requirements] kaso the pandemic happened. Sana maging kumpleto na kami kapag naibalik na ang PBA."

Alas added that there are many intangibles that Calvin does that they cannot find in the current Phoenix roster. He further stressed that Abueva's absence in the team is gravely missed - something that the pandemic also played a factor.

When asked of his opinion if the suspension made Calvin a "changed man" - Coach Louie has this to say:

"Hindi ko masasabi na talagang changed man. Talagang on and off the court rugged si Calvin. Wala kasing father figure yung bata, tapos lately na lang sya nagkaroon ng magandang relationship with his mother. Kulang lang sa guidance talaga si Calvin."

Coach Louie also added that he is also reminding Abueva to be consistent in controlling his emotions as well as his anger because that is what causes him trouble.

The Phoenix tactician also stressed out the good side of one of his key play makers in the team, saying that Calvin is one of the most generous persons there is.

"Always willing to help yan si Calvin, napakabait na tao. He helps others when he can help. Saka si Cavlvin naman, kapag sinabi mo yung isang bagay na gawin niya, gagawin naman nya. So sana, ma-appreciate ng mga administrator natin sa PBA yung mga ginagawa ni Calvin outside his suspension."

Other than being hopeful that the PBA will decide on lifting Abueva's suspension to their favour, Coach Louie has this to say to those who still believes that his player is a trouble-maker

"Uulitin ko, sa court lang talaga rugged yan si Calvin pero sa labas, makulit naman yan at pabiro."

Watch the entire episode of the guesting of Coach Louie Alas at The Ultimate Fan Hub Podcast on this link:


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