Alaska's Compton: Playing Phoenix is like a family reunion

MANILA, Philippines — Hype hovered the Phoenix-Alaska game on Wednesday night as it marked the first time Calvin Abueva gets a crack at his former team, which he served for six years since he was drafted.

A quick deduction would yield that the raging-bull Abueva has an ax to grind.

As if that’s not compelling enough, five other Phoenix personalities formerly served Alaska: Phoenix’s current head coach Louie Alas and his current deputy Topex Robinson; Paolo Bugia. who is now the Fuel Masters’ team manager; and RJ Jazul along with Jaypee Mendoza. 

But Alex Compton believes otherwise.

“But you know everybody is trying to ask me [about this game] … I just don’t know. For me, I don’t like hyping up. It’s not a thing against one guy. I mean, I’ve no problems,” Compton told the press after notching the win that night.

“I love RJ Jazul, I love Jaypee. I love Calvin. I love Bugs. I love coach Louie. I love coach Topex — that’s six guys we have good relationships with. So I don’t go into a game and make the game about one guy, ‘cause last time I checked, basketball’s a team sport,” he added.

“I know the story is it’s the first time we play without Calvin or to play against Calvin,” Compton offered. "But to me, it’s just playing basketball against a team playing basketball. They’re playing well.”

Abueva, drafted second overall by Alaska in 2012, carved out a commendable stint with the Aces. He went on to win the Rookie of the Year plum that year, then help the team steer to the title the next year. He accounted for six All-Star appearances for his first PBA team. 

Compton suggested that it’s just like going into a soiree with family members.

“What it feels like to me everytime we play Phoenix, is like a family reunion. We're gonna go at it, we’re gonna play a game in the backyard and it’s gonna be intense. We’re gonna play hard case that’s what we do,” Compton noted. 

“But then, these are people you’ve got longstanding relationships with that you really care about,” he furthered. 

“They have six guys who I got to share a lot of memories and battles with, that I’d take to my grave, that I care about,” Compton pointed out in closing.