Here's why Calvin Abueva decided to wear number 73 for PBA PH Cup

Looking for a fresh start, Calvin Abueva changed the "1" into "7" in his jersey number. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--When Magnolia delivered Calvin Abueva's jersey for the PBA Philippine Cup to his home, it bore a different jersey number.

The energetic winger confirmed on Saturday night that he really intended to switch from 13 to 73, adding that there was an earlier plan about it.

"Actually, dati yan, and na-realize ko na kailangan ko sigurong gamitin yun in this conference. Masyado na tayong nasa 13. Ngayon, pinalitan ko lang yung one ng seven," Abueva said.

The 37-year-old forward then said that aside from his current age in reverse position, his new jersey number is an ode to Dennis Rodman.

"Yung number na yan, para kay Rodman talaga. Seventy-three was his old number," Abueva further said.

After helping the Chicago Bulls win three consecutive NBA titles, Rodman joined the Los Angeles Lakers for the lockout-shortened 1999 season and wore number 73.

The jersey switch was also Abueva's way of a renewed focus this conference as the Hotshots aim for a better finish after barely making the quarterfinals last Commissioner's Cup before bowing to top-seeded NorthPort Batang Pier.

"This All-Filipino, kailangan namin ito, at siguro ito yung time namin para pumasok sa semifinals," Abueva further said.

Abueva was solid for Magnolia in his first game wearing number 73, finishing with 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting and six rebounds off the bench in a 106-84 blowout win against Blackwater at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

While it was just Step 1, Abueva is glad that the Hotshots were able to execute their game plan.

"Game 1 pa lang ng eliminations, kailangan na namin ipakita kung ano yung mga ipinapakita namin ngayon sa court at lalo na sa practice kasi sa practice, doon namin makukuha yung communication at yung chemistry namin para madala namin sa game, at ngayon, yun yung naging resulta namin at nanalo kami dito sa game," he further said.

Step 2 for Magnolia will be on Wednesday night against Converge at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Follow him on X: @IvanSaldajeno