ALASKA shipped energetic forward Calvin Abueva to Phoenix Fuel Masters in exchange for Karl Dehesa and a 2019 first-round pick—a trade that shook the basketball community on Tuesday.
After six fruitful years with Alaska that resulted to a championship in 2013, a Rookie of the Year trophy and six Philippine Basketball Association All-Star stints, the 30-year-old Pampanga-born Abueva finally cut his ties with the Aces after months that went rough.
The former National Collegiate Athletic Association Most Valuable Player out of San Sebastian College was initially suspended indefinitely for repeatedly missing team activities.
The punishment peaked in the Commissioner’s Cup playoffs when the Gilas Pilipinas was benched even during crucial games.
In five games he played in the conference, Abueva averaged 10.4 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.8 points.
“The Alaska Aces have decided to trade Calvin Abueva to Phoenix. We would like to thanks Calvin for six years of service with Alaska and the good memories,” the statement said.
“We felt as a franchise it was best for both Alaska and Calvin to have a fresh start at this time,” it added.
Abueva is expected to work with sharpshooter Matthew Wright to help the Fuel Masters in the season-ending Governors’ Cup.
Phoenix missed the playoffs this conference after winning just four games in 11 outings.
Minus one of their key players, the Aces pushed through the semis with import Diamon Simpson and Vic Manuel leading the charge. They finished the eliminations second lbehind Rain or Shine.