Calvin Abueva is leaving the Magnolia Hotshots after four years with the team. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Calvin Abueva has yet to don a NorthPort jersey in the PBA Philippine Cup, but Jio Jalalon believes his eventual presence will have a positive impact on the Batang Pier.
Jalalon, who shared the Magnolia banner with Abueva in previous seasons, said good things could come to NorthPort once the veteran forward starts playing.
READ: PBA: Calvin Abueva shares cryptic posts after trade to Northport
“We know how Calvin plays. Whatever he brings will be a big help for us,” said Jalalon after their 94-70 loss to TNT at Araneta Coliseum on Friday.
“I haven’t talked to him yet, but we’re still waiting on Calvin. It will depend on him.”
Jalalon, who finished with five points and four rebounds in the loss, noted it would be Abueva’s decision whether he suits up for NorthPort soon.
Aside from the former Alaska star, Jerrick Balanza was also included in the blockbuster trade that sent William Navarro to Magnolia.
READ: PBA: Magnolia gets William Navarro, trades away Calvin Abueva
As someone who played with Balanza before during their time at Magnolia, Jalalon was glad to share the floor with him again.
“Jerrick’s been okay. I reached him when I was in Magnolia. I’m happy because he’s my teammate again, and as you saw, he played well earlier.”
“You could see he played a lot. I think he just got tired easily because he’s not used to playing that long, then suddenly he was given so much time—but he’ll bounce back.”
Balanza finished with nine points on 40 percent shooting in 24 minutes of action.
Only time will tell if Abueva finally suits up for NorthPort when the Batang Pier face their next assignment on Wednesday.er faces