TAIPEI – Indirectly, coach Tab Baldwin has declared Calvin Abueva is cinch to make the Gilas Pilipinas Final 12 for the Changsha Asian joust.
“If you guys didn’t figure out yet that I have a strong affinity with this guy, I’ll say it publicly I love this guy. He can play for me anytime,” said Baldwin in the press conference after the Gilas-Taipei B game.
Calvin Abueva was one of only two players Baldwin played through eight games here, finally getting a rest only after hurting his back on a bad fall six minutes into the Taipei B match.
“He doesn’t need a rest. He takes care very well of his body. He’s fit,” said Baldwin.
“He could have played (after the fall). He wanted to play but we didn’t need him today. We need him 100 percent when we get to the MVP Cup,” Baldwin also said.
Seeing Abueva up close here, Baldwin was really impressed, calling the Alaska Milk stalwart “a warrior who doesn’t back down from anybody and who doesn’t ever want to be out of the game.”
Hearing all those praises from the national coach, Abueva was touched, thankful his efforts are appreciated.
“Best feeling. Tapos ako pa nasalang sa last game (for the press conferene) parang nakuha ko na yung mundo,” said Abueva.
“Never had I ever imagined being here with the national team. My dream was just to make it to the PBA. I’m proud of myself I’m here,” he added.