PBA: Abueva downplays match-up with Perez, urges rookie to keep improving

MANILA, Philippines -- Phoenix forward Calvin Abueva made light of his highly anticipated match-up with Columbian rookie CJ Perez, in what had been billed as the first showdown between the "Beast" and the "Baby Beast" in the PBA.

Before he became an NCAA Most Valuable Player in Lyceum of the Philippines University and the top pick in the 2018 Rookie Draft, Perez had earned the "Baby Beast" moniker as he appeared to follow in Abueva's footsteps in San Sebastian College.

Perez had a rollercoaster collegiate career, leaving San Sebastian for Ateneo de Manila University before landing in Lyceum. He helped the Pirates make back-to-back finals appearances, and was the league's MVP in Season 93.

His impressive PBA debut -- scoring 26 points in a 124-118 upset of San Miguel Beer last week -- only heightened the anticipation for his first match-up with Abueva and the Fuel Masters.

But the Fuel Masters limited his scoring output when they played on Wednesday in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup. With JC Intal as his primary defender, Perez scored just 10 points on 3-of-11 shooting, struggling to finish inside the paint. He did have 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks, but the Fuel Masters came away with a 108-98 triumph.

"Sa akin naman, okay naman ang pinakita niya as a player. Noong last game nila, 26 points, career-high niya in the first game tapos ngayon 10 points," Abueva told reporters when asked about Perez. "Parang sa akin, kung pagbabasehan, malaking agwat eh. Malaking agwat."

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Abueva was not too concerned about his match-up with Perez, however, focusing instead on the game itself.

"Ang sa akin naman, I want to win the game, hindi matches lang ang pinag-uusapan. Eto 'yung game na mananalo kayo, hindi 'yung keso ganyan, keso ganito, ilang points ka, ilang points ako," said the veteran forward.

"Ang bitter naman siguro noon. Ang inaano dito, kung ano 'yung team na mananalo, 'di ba?" he added.

Abueva was all business inside the court, as he played his usual brand of basketball and finished with 18 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals. He got tangled up with Perez from time to time, even briefly posting up the youngster in the second half.

"Walang personalan," Abueva said. "Magkalaban kami sa court, pero ang akin lang, sa labas, kapatid ang turing ko sa kanya, walang personalan sa akin."

Indeed, Abueva offered some advice for Perez, as he urged the rookie not to get caught up in the hype surrounding him.

"Huwag siya masyadong guarantee sa mga nilalaro niya ngayon. Dapat, i-force niya pa, i-push niya pa, para mas mag-high level pa 'yung galawan niya sa loob. Kasi rookie pa lang eh, rookie pa lang," said Abueva.

"Siyempre marami tayong naiisip about sa rookie, pero improve mo muna ang sarili mo sa pro, bago ka mag-high level," he added.

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