Meralco mentor Ryan Gregorio is wary of Alaska’s hardworking
rookie
Calvin Abueva ahead of the Bolts’ best-of-three quarterfinals series
against the Aces
“Our target is how to stop Abueva. His activity is astonishing,” said Gregorio.
But the coach believes he have the players to tame “The Beast,” his own rookie
Cliff Hodge, who played with Abueva in the PBA D-League.
“We’re assured we can complement very well with them as we
have Cliff Hodge prepared to stop him.”
Like Abueva, Hodge is also a versatile forward who never backs down from every
challenge. They have been the two most impressive rookies so far in the
Philippine Cup, racing to an early lead in the Rookie of the Year contest.
“There are 3 players in the league who play likewise and
these are Marc Pingris, Abueva and Hodge,” said Gregorio. “I do wish Hodge will
get Abueva’s numbers come the quarterfinal round.”
Meralco and Alaska divide their first two encounters, but the Bolts’ victory
over Alaska came with the Aces losing Abueva, who was then still participating
in for San Sebastian in the
NCAA.