Honest defense key to adjusting to FIBA rules says Abueva

MANILA, Philippines -- After playing a total of 11 games with Gilas Pilipinas, flamboyant forward Calvin Abueva admitted he is still struggling to eliminate the “PBA habits” he acquired during his first three seasons as a pro.

It is no wonder that the undersized forward from Alaska usually runs into foul trouble during the Estonia pocket tournament and his very first stint in the William Jones Cup in Taipei last week.

“Nandun na iyun eh (struggling to adjust to Fiba rules). Pero depende lang siya kung maganda ang depensang gagawin mo sa kalaban,” Abueva said, following Gilas’ 93-77 win over Talk ‘N Text to kick-off its Master Game Face-MVP Cup campaign in high gear on Friday night.

The 6-foot-1 Abueva said given his aggressive approach to the game dating back to his ‘ligang-labas’ days, he will really have to adjust to the Fiba rules, aware that international referees will make tighter calls.

“Sa Fiba-Asia, doble pa ang tawagan kesa sa Jones Cup sa Taiwan kaya mas hihigitan pa namin yung perofrmance namin especially sa hand-check,” explained the 27-year-old former San Sebastian star.

“Madalas kasi, madami nafa-foul trouble sa amin, kaya yung adjustment na walang holding at honest defense na lang ang kailangan naming gawin.”

The Angeles, Pampanga-born Abueva though is happy that he’s finally able to play in front of his countrymen.

“Siyempre, masarap maglaro sa harap ng fans. Naka-suporta lahat sa iyo sila, yung pamilya mo dahil alam natin, iisang goal lang pupuntahan natin kaya sila nandito para suportahan tayo,” said “the Beast”.