MANILA, Philippines – Philippine basketball fans are on the edge of their seats as PBA veteran Calvin Abueva awaits confirmation to represent Gilas Pilipinas in the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
Abueva, who is known for his tenacious style of play and his ability to energize the crowd, is one of the most popular players in the Philippines. His possible inclusion in the Gilas lineup has sent shockwaves through the basketball community, with fans and media alike eagerly awaiting the final word.
The buzz began last Wednesday when Abueva posted a photo on Instagram with fellow players Jason Perkins, Moala Tautuaa, and Terrence Romeo. The four players were conspicuously absent from Gilas’ 37-man roster for the Asian Games, which was released a few days earlier.
In his Instagram post, Abueva expressed his eagerness to play in the Asian Games, writing, “I’m waiting for your confirmation to play.” This simple yet powerful statement left fans wondering about the fate of these talented athletes and the role they might play in the upcoming tournament.
Adding to the intrigue, it was later revealed that Abueva, along with Perkins, Tautuaa, and Romeo, had been temporarily replaced by Chris Ross, Kevin Alas, Arvin Tolentino, CJ Perez, and Marcio Lassiter. This replacement was made pending any confirmation from the organizers of the Asian Games.
On Thursday, Coach Tim Cone and team manager Alfrancis Chua conducted a press conference to discuss the situation. They revealed that the players were informed on Monday night, and that it was a challenging time for everyone involved.
“It was a very emotional meeting,” said Cone. “The players were disappointed, but they understood the situation.”
Chua also expressed his support for the players, saying, “We’re still waiting for confirmation from the Asian Games organizers. We’re hoping that all four players will be able to join the team in Hangzhou.”
As the days pass, the basketball community, Coach Tim Cone, Alfrancis Chua, and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas find themselves in a state of limbo. They are all eagerly awaiting confirmation on whether the four players not initially on the list will eventually join Gilas in Hangzhou.
From a fan’s perspective, the excitement is palpable. Filipinos are known for their passion for basketball, and the possibility of seeing Calvin Abueva on the Asian Games stage is a thrilling prospect. The uncertainty only adds to the drama and intrigue surrounding this situation.
