The Beast's Impending Return: The Pros and Cons for Phoenix

Nobody has seen Calvin Abueva play for more than a year. Nobody knows what to expect from him if and when he makes his debut inside the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) bubble in Clark. 

While the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) has already approved a probationary reinstatement of Abueva's professional license, the question now looms: will his much-awaited return do good for the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters?

The Fuel Masters have yet to lose a game in Clark after beating the NorthPort Batang Pier last Wednesday. They are now on a two-game winning streak with a game coming up against the still unbeaten TNT Tropang Giga on Monday. Assuming that the Beast gets the go-signal from the PBA, having Abueva back on the floor will give additional firepower and energy on the court for the squad of Topex Robinson. 

In the Philippine Cup of the 2018-2019 season, Abueva averaged 14 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, a steal and, close to one block in 27 minutes. In the two games that he played in the Commissioner's Cup last year, he put up 14 points and eight rebounds If anything, those are the numbers people can expect from Abueva once he comes back on the court and more importantly, having his energy back will be a big plus to the Fuel Masters' campaign in the compressed Philippine Cup bubble season. His offense is one thing but his ability to pester the best player of the opposing team, that's something that nobody does best in the league except for the Beast himself. 

While we all know how energetic Calvin Abueva is on both sides of the court, his antics sometimes become the source of trouble not just for himself but for the team in general. And while many people are expecting a "tamer" Beast returning soon after undergoing seminars sanctioned by GAB, One issue Topex Robinson and company could face upon Abueva's court return is this: the Fuel Masters are already doing well in the bubble thus far. Matthew Wright exploded for 36 points in their first win inside the bubble. Jason Perkins is averaging 24 points and 10 rebounds in their first two games of the shortened all-Filipino conference. Justin Chua has also produced decent numbers for Phoenix. If and when Abueva makes his return, it could disrupt the rotation and the overall flow of the game for Phoenix because it will mean that some of the players will have to play fewer minutes to accommodate the minutes of Abueva.

Then again, this is Calvin Abueva that we are talking about. If there's one good reason why his presence will be a good one for Phoenix, it's because the fans want to see him play in Pampanga. More importantly, this would give Abueva the chance to show that he's already matured after all the things that he has encountered in the past. In the end, it all boils down to the adjustment both Abueva and the team will make on the court for this potential return to be beneficial for both sides.   

Photo is from ESPN