Top MVP contender Calvin Abueva only focused in winning title for Magnolia

Calvin Abueva prefers winning a title again than winning the MVP. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY—From being one of PBA's most polarizing players, Calvin Abueva has indeed become a changed man.

Gone were the days where you expect the six-foot-three swingman to do something extracurricular during games.

Now, Abueva has shown wisdom through becoming a more composed player and even becoming one of the leaders for Magnolia.

A testament to how Abueva has become now is by winning the Best Player of the Conference during the PBA Philippine Cup in Bacolor, Pampanga, which merits a nomination for the season MVP.

However, while being a BPC and the fact that the Hotshots made deep playoff runs this past PBA season are crucial narratives that could sway the PBA Commissioner's Office, reporters, and players to vote for him during the Leo Awards balloting, Abueva said that winning the league's top individual honor is not on his mind right now as he has some unfinished business to settle.

"Di na ako naghahangad kung makuha ko man o hindi. Ang akin lang, makakuha ako ng championship. That's my goal," Abueva said on Thursday during the PBA Season 47 Media Day at the Novotel Manila Ballroom.

Despite having the most wins the previous season, Magnolia failed to get the wins that mattered the most and missed out on the two championships on the line.

With probably a few years left in what would be his prime years, Abueva vowed to put his focus more on putting an end to a nine-year title drought and winning his first chip outside Alaska.

"Ang gagawin ko ngayon ay ang trabaho ko ngayon na papaano makapag-champion uli," he further said.

However, the 34-year-old Abueva is honored that he is shortlisted for the MVP award despite having younger opponents in 30-year-old Mikey Williams, 28-year-old Scottie Thompson, and 26-year-old Robert Bolick, the frontrunner in terms of statistical points.

"Mga bata pa mga yun, di ba? I'm honored that at 34 years old, umabot ako sa level na yun," Abueva further said.

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