Abueva delights in increased PBA physicality: 'Masarap maglaro' | ABS-CBN

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Abueva delights in increased PBA physicality: 'Masarap maglaro'

Abueva delights in increased PBA physicality: 'Masarap maglaro'

Camille B. Naredo,

ABS-CBN News

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Alaska's Calvin Abueva reacts after scoring against the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings. PBA Media Bureau

MANILA, Philippines – The increase in physicality in the PBA has been the subject of great attention recently, as players, coaches, and fans are all mostly pleased in how the league has been "letting the players play."

Fans have noticed how players are given greater leeway now to express their emotions, and how referees are letting touch fouls go when before, they would have merited a whistle.

Of course, some have pushed the boundaries. On Saturday, Rain or Shine's Raymond Almazan and Kia's Eric Camson where thrown out after they exchanged punches. On Sunday, Ginebra coach Tim Cone was quickly assessed a technical when he entered the playing court to complain to an official.

Still, there is no doubt that the league has made some changes, and so far, these changes have gotten a thumbs up from all parties concerned.

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The latest player to express his approval is Alaska veteran Calvin Abueva, who has long been known for his physicality inside the court.

"Oo, mas gumanda 'yung tawagan ngayon," said Abueva on Sunday, after helping the Aces down Barangay Ginebra, 97-83, at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig City. "Naging physical nga."

"Naging exciting para sa mga tao. Mas marami ng nanonood ngayon eh. Kahit 'di sila nakakanood sa live na laro, at least sa TV, nae-enjoy nila 'yung laro ng basketball," he added.

Abueva has never hesitated to throw his body around, even before the new officiating guidelines were enforced. Now, however, he is relishing the greater freedom given to him inside the court.

In one fourth-quarter sequence against the Gin Kings on Sunday, Abueva bodily contested a lay-up by Scottie Thompson on one end, secured the rebound, then barreled to the other end of the court. He fed the ball to Chris Banchero, who rose and absorbed contact from Ginebra's Aljon Mariano before finishing the bucket.

"Masarap mag-laro," said Abueva after the game. "Talagang pisikalan."

"Siyempre, makikita naman natin kung sinasadya o hindi, basta katawan lang. Pisikal. 'Yun 'yung magandang laro, 'di ba?" he added.

Abueva was not the only Alaska player who delighted in the new officiating. Veteran big man Sonny Thoss noted that it favored their style of play, especially on defense, as the Aces are known for their intense full court press.

"It gives us an opportunity to be more aggressive, and be up in people's faces," said Thoss. "It's good, and it's working out well."

For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.

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