WHILE he is the frontrunner and favorite to win his first-ever Best Player of the Conference Award in the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, Alaska superstar Calvin Abueva made it clear that his attention is focused on a much bigger accomplishment.
Abueva is the lone contender for the personal accolade as he carried the Aces on his burly back to the championship round.
The do-it-all swingman, despite being the leading candidate for the BPC Award, is solely focused on a certain goal that he continues to chase—end Alaska’s title drought.
“Hindi ko iniisip ‘yan (BPC Award). Ang mindset namin ay nasa finals lang talaga,” said Abueva.
Understandably, Abueva’s hunger was fueled by the Aces’ failed bid to win any championship in their last three trips to the finals in these last two seasons despite coming close a couple of times.
This time around, Abueva wants a different ending for the Aces, who finished a bridesmaid in the last two Philippine Cups, as well as the Governors’ Cup last season, losing to San Miguel Beer each time.
“Sana makuha na (‘yung championship),” said the man who’s also known as “The Beast” for his monster-like type of play. “Nag-pursige talaga kami para makarating ulit dito sa finals kaya gustong-gusto namin makuha na ‘to.”
The last time the Aces tasted a title was way back in the 2013 Commissioner’s Cup, during the time of then head coach Luigi Trillo.
As of this report, Alaska and Rain or Shine are feeling each other out as they battle in Game 1 of their best-of-seven finale to see who gets first blood.
Meanwhile, NLEX and Phoenix have completed a multi-player swap in an attempt to improve their chances in the Governors’ Cup ahead.
The Road Warriors acquired veteran gunners Mac Baracael and Emman Monfort, along with a second-round pick for 2018, from the Fuel Masters in exchange for promising rookie Simon Enciso and veteran forward Mark Borboran.
This came after both teams finished in the lower half in the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup.
Game Tomorrow
(Finals, Game 2 – Smart
Araneta Coliseum)
7 p.m. – Alaska vs. Rain or Shine