MANILA – Magnolia Hotshots has secured the services of veteran forward Calvin Abueva in a stunning trade on Wednesday, while sending Chris Banchero to the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters.
Apart from Abueva, the Hotshots also got the Fuel Masters’ first round pick in the upcoming 2021 PBA Rookie draft, while Banchero came to Phoenix with Magnolia’s first round and second round selection for the virtual draft on March 14.
Hotshots head coach Chito Victolero said the arrival of the former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Rookie of the Year awardee was a timely boost to address the lack of firepower in Magnolia’s frontline rotation.
“We are looking forward doon kasi sa makakuha ng at least ‘yung position na kulang namin. ‘Yung opportunity na dumating, I need to grab that opportunity,” said Victolero in an interview with Spin.ph.
“Mahirap lang bitawan (si Banchero) but the problem is I don’t want to lose that opportunity to grab Calvin because alam namin ‘yung mabibigay niya sa team niya at matutulong niya plus the position na malalaro niya, ‘yun ang kulang namin,” he added.
The trade came as a surprise following Abueva’s solid showing during the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup that led him to become one of the candidates for the Best Player of the Conference plum and also earned him a three-year maximum contract extension.
With the move, Abueva will also reunite with center Ian Sangalang, his collegiate teammate at the San Sebastian College Golden Stags in the National Collegiate Athletic Association while forming a deadly offensive tandem with Magnolia star Paul Lee.
The Fuel Masters, for its part, said it was a tough decision to let go of Abueva but is looking forward to the materials they are set to acquire, including the two Hotshots picks in the deep PBA Rookie draft. /PN
