Abueva's return to practice 'a big win' for Phoenix says interim coach Robinson

Calvin Abueva's appearance in the practices already favors Phoenix. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Although just for the practices in the meantime, seeing Calvin Abueva inside the PBA bubble in Angeles is something Phoenix must be very happy about.

"Sabi nga ni Commissioner (Willie Marcial), malaking bagay na rin ito kasi makakasama na namin siya," Interim Coach Topex Robinson said on Saturday during the live episode of "The Chasedown".

Abueva has been in an indefinite suspension from the PBA for 15 months already, but signs of this ban being lifted anytime soon are surfacing as the league gears up for its Oct. 11 restart.

Aside from allowing Abueva to join the Fuel Masters in his hometown, the Games and Amusements Board also agreed to reactivate his professional license pending a mandatory drug test and a seminar on what a professional athlete should do.

"With regards to Phoenix, that's already a big win for us kasi yun yung matagal naming hinihintay," Robinson further said. "That's really a big blessing for us."

The second pick of the 2012 PBA Draft has been known for his tenacity and energy on the court, and according to Robinson, he is also doing it in training.

"What you see sa kanya kapag naglalaro siya, ganun din siya sa practice, so that means he's all over the place," Robinson further said of Abueva.

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