Calvin Abueva Shines in NorthPort Debut—And Might Be Key to Franchise’s Future
Calvin Abueva’s NorthPort debut wasn’t just about basketball—it may also have provided a glimmer of hope for a franchise surrounded by uncertainty.
Amid swirling rumors of an impending sale, the embattled Batang Pier got a much-needed win over Phoenix, 118-107, on Wednesday in the PBA Philippine Cup. The 37-year-old Abueva, freshly traded from Magnolia in a controversial one-for-one deal for William Navarro, wasted no time proving that he’s still an impact player in the league.
Abueva finished with 18 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks—vintage Beast numbers from a player who’s been defying the odds for over a decade.
Abueva Still Has It—On and Off the Court
Phoenix star Jason Perkins, who played alongside Abueva during his stint with the Fuelmasters, wasn’t surprised by the performance.
“Calvin is 37 now but his motor is extremely high. He is always high on the scouting report, he works hard, and treats everyone with respect on and off the court,” Perkins said.
“Calvin is a player I look up to. He is a mentor of mine. Learned from his successes and his mistakes. Wherever Calvin goes, I think they are lucky to have him.”
For a NorthPort team that has just lost its top stars—Arvin Tolentino to the KBL and William Navarro to Magnolia—Abueva is suddenly the biggest name left on the roster. But more importantly, he could be a strategic asset if the franchise is indeed preparing to sell.
A Selling Franchise? Then Keep the Star
There are multiple signs suggesting that NorthPort is headed toward a sale. From trading away young talent like Tolentino, Navarro, JM Calma, and Zav Lucero, to releasing solid role players like Paul Zamar and Agem Miranda, the franchise appears to be cutting costs and clearing space.
If the endgame is a sale, then keeping Calvin Abueva makes perfect sense. Here’s why:
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Star Power: At 37, Abueva remains one of the most recognizable and marketable players in the PBA. He brings name value, which a potential new owner would love to inherit.
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Fan Engagement: Love him or hate him, Abueva moves the needle. His energy, charisma, and unique style of play command attention and drive ticket sales.
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Mentorship and Culture: As Jason Perkins mentioned, Abueva is not only a competitor but also a mentor. A new ownership group would benefit from his leadership during a transition phase.
The Best Face for a New Beginning
Let’s be honest: any incoming franchise owner would rather debut with a face the fans know and follow. While rebuilding with young talent is ideal in the long run, having someone like Calvin Abueva on the roster adds immediate legitimacy and personality.
In fact, if NorthPort is actively entertaining offers, they should highlight Abueva—not trade him. The franchise has let go of rising stars and prime contributors; now is the time to hold on to a proven figure who can give the next team both production and popularity.
Final Word
Calvin Abueva may not be the long-term cornerstone of a rebuilding team, but in this particular situation, he might be the most valuable asset NorthPort still has—not just on the floor, but in the boardroom. If a sale is imminent, the best move NorthPort can make is to keep Abueva and offer potential buyers a franchise with both a competitive spirit and a star they can immediately build around.
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