(PBA image)
Calvin Abueva is embracing a new chapter with the same fire that has defined his career, determined to prove that age is nothing more than a number as he begins life with the Converge FiberXers.
Fresh from his first practice with the FiberXers, the veteran forward delivered a message that quickly resonated with his new teammates.
“Mga bata pa tayo. Ako bata pa ako, 38, pero sasabay ako sa inyo,” said Calvin Abueva, drawing smiles and nods from a youthful Converge roster eager to tap into his experience and intensity.
Abueva turned 38 just last Wednesday, only a day after he was dealt by the Titan Ultra Giant Risers to Converge in a three-for-one trade that sent Rey Suerte, King Caralipio, and rookie Mark Omega the other way. The move signaled Converge’s push to add toughness, leadership, and proven production to its lineup.
The trade also marked a meaningful reunion for Abueva, who is once again under the guidance of head coach Delta Pineda—his godfather and a key figure in shaping his amateur career. That familiarity, combined with Converge’s rising core, has fueled Abueva’s renewed enthusiasm.
He now joins a group featuring Juan Gomez, Justine Baltazar, Justin Arana, Alec Stockton, and Schonny Winston—a blend of size, skill, and athleticism that Abueva believes can contend if guided the right way.
Despite his age, Abueva showed no signs of slowing down during the Philippine Cup, where he posted imposing averages of 23.6 points and 11.9 rebounds, numbers that underscored his continued value as a high-impact presence on both ends of the floor.
“Madadala ko yung maturity and energy sa team,” Abueva added in remarks shared by the FiberXers on social media, signaling his intent to lead not just with words, but with relentless effort.
For Converge, Abueva is more than just a veteran acquisition. He is a tone-setter—one who believes that hustle, heart, and hunger do not fade with age, and who is ready to show that at 38, he can still run with the league’s best and help push a young team toward bigger goals.
“Kailangan ko ang tulong niyo, kailangan niyo ang tulong ko. Maniwala kayo sa akin at magka-isa tayo as a team, bigay natin ang lahat,” he added.
