NorthPort is set to complete the sale of its PBA franchise no later than Monday, Sept. 29. But Calvin Abueva is not exactly bothered by the impending deal.
NorthPort stalwart Calvin Abueva entered Eton Centris sporting a plain white shirt during the PBA Season 50 Media Day Thursday, Sept. 25.
But it was not an act of protest.
“Hindi ko rin alam. Kaya sinasabi ko nga kung pupuwede, rainbow na lang 'yong team namin. Hindi mo rin alam kung anong color o ano, eh,” Abueva said in jest.
[RELATED STORY: NorthPort-Pureblends talks of sale almost done deal, says PBA commissioner WIllie Marcial]
It’s just that, at the moment, the Batang Pier are still in the process of selling their franchise to Pureblends.
According to league commissioner Willie Marcial, the deal is nearing its completion. Because of that, NorthPort is instructed to wear neutral-colored tops.
Abueva, traded to the Batang Pier in the middle of the Season 49 Philippine Cup, isn’t exactly bothered about the impending deal.
“OK naman… Nakadalawang tune-up na kami. Nasa maayos naman. Kahit bago, nagkakaamuyan naman kami in the game kaya maganda ang sistema na ginagalaw namin under coach (Johnedel) Cardel,” Abueva said.
[ALSO READ: PBA: Dropping ‘Introboys’ tag is going to be a process for Magnolia, says new coach LA Tenorio]
With the team practically new from top to bottom, Abueva, together with Joshua Munzon, is expected to lead the team in the PBA's golden season.
The enigmatic forward from Pampanga is ready to embrace the challenge.
“Oo, mabigat. Challenging 'to sa'min lalo sa'kin at kay Josh,” Abueva said.
“Siyempre, bago [kaya] hindi natin alam kung ano ang kapalaran natin ngayon. Basta ang gagawin namin, lalaruin namin ang bawat game at iri-ready namin ang mga sarili namin.”
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.