I remember sitting in the Smart Araneta Coliseum last season, watching Calvin Abueva get benched for what seemed like the hundredth time. The air was thick with disappointment - you could feel it radiating from both the coaching staff and the few remaining fans who hadn't already written him off. The "Beast" had become somewhat of a ghost, a player whose potential seemed permanently trapped behind his own controversies and inconsistent performances. Little did we know we were witnessing the quiet before one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent PBA history.
That memory came rushing back to me recently when I saw Abueva completely dominate the court against TNT. The transformation wasn't just physical - though he did look leaner and quicker - but something fundamental had shifted in his approach to the game. He moved with purpose, made smarter decisions, and honestly, played like someone who'd finally figured out what it means to be a professional athlete. I've been following the PBA for over fifteen years now, and I can count on one hand the number of players who've managed to reinvent themselves so completely after hitting rock bottom.
What makes Abueva's resurgence particularly fascinating is how it coincides with Phoenix's current playoff positioning. Just look at the landscape - PLDT already joined their sister team Cignal in the playoffs, with two more outright quarterfinals seats still up for grabs. Meanwhile, the remaining four spots will be contested in the knockout round by the bottom four teams from both pools. In this high-stakes environment, Abueva isn't just playing well - he's become the engine driving Phoenix's campaign. His stats tell part of the story - averaging 16.8 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in their last five games - but numbers can't capture the leadership he's shown on court.
I was talking to a fellow sportswriter last week, and we both agreed that The Rise of Calvin Abueva in PBA: A Story of Redemption and Basketball Excellence isn't just a catchy headline - it's becoming the defining narrative of this conference. There's something genuinely compelling about watching a player who was once considered damaged goods transform into the cornerstone of his team's success. I've noticed opposing teams are now game-planning specifically for him, something that wasn't happening even six months ago. They double-team him in the post, they try to deny him the ball, but he's developed this incredible basketball IQ that allows him to impact games even when his shot isn't falling.
What really struck me during Phoenix's last game was how Abueva has evolved beyond just being a scorer. He was directing traffic on defense, calling out switches, and even pulling aside younger players during timeouts to point out defensive assignments. This maturity - this sense of ownership - is what separates good players from franchise players. I remember specifically during the third quarter when they were down by nine, Abueva didn't force bad shots like he might have in previous seasons. Instead, he drew defenders and found open teammates, leading to three consecutive three-pointers that completely shifted the momentum.
The timing of his resurgence couldn't be better with the playoffs approaching. With PLDT and Cignal already securing their spots, and two more quarterfinal berths soon to be decided, every game carries playoff implications. The pressure is mounting, and yet Abueva seems to thrive in these high-stakes situations. His energy is contagious - when he makes a big play, you can see the entire Phoenix bench come alive. I've watched them play five times this season, and each time, his teammates feed off his intensity in ways I haven't seen since his Alaska days.
Some critics will point to his past and say this is just another hot streak, but I genuinely believe this is different. The way he carries himself both on and off the court, his interactions with coaches during timeouts, even his body language during tough stretches - it all points to a player who's done the hard work of self-reflection and growth. Basketball redemption stories don't come much cleaner than this. He's not just putting up numbers on a losing team - he's elevating everyone around him while Phoenix positions itself for a deep playoff run.
I find myself rooting for him in a way I rarely do with professional athletes. Maybe it's because we've all had moments where we needed second chances, or maybe it's just the basketball romantic in me that loves a good comeback story. Whatever the reason, watching Calvin Abueva rediscover his game while helping his team navigate this crucial playoff race has been one of the most satisfying developments of the PBA season. As the knockout rounds approach for those bottom four teams from both pools, I can't help but feel that Phoenix - led by their resurrected Beast - might just have what it takes to surprise everyone.