Calvin Abueva’s snub as All-Star MVP outrages fans

May 1, 2017 - 3:45 PM
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(Interaksyon file photo)

It was just an exhibition game, and yet Calvin Abueva still gave his all to help Gilas Pilipinas rally against Team Visayas.

Abueva scored 21 of his 26 points in the second half to go along with seven rebounds and two steals as he sparked the national team’s comeback from 15 points down to win in the Cebu leg of the PBA All-Star Week.

But despite his efforts, “The Beast” didn’t win the All-Star MVP trophy. That award went to teammate Terrence Romeo who scored 25 points, two rebounds and four assists.

Many fans online were outraged by Abueva’s non-selection as best player of the game.

It wasn’t the first time fans felt that the Alaska Aces star was robbed of the All-Star MVP. In the 2015 edition, he put up an eye-popping statline of 37 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists to lead the North All-Stars to a 166-161 win over the South All-Stars in Palawan.

But it was Romeo who was picked as the All-Star MVP. He finished with 30 points, three rebounds and one assist in the game.

It’s still a mystery why Abueva keeps getting snubbed. Maybe his reputation as a “bad boy” inside the court still haunts him and turns off the selection panel (whoever they are) despite his amazing on-court skills.

But one thing’s for sure: it’s a bummer to not get recognized for your efforts, and it’s even more painful if it happens twice. Abueva still has many future All-Star games to play in, giving him plenty of opportunities to repeatedly prove his doubters wrong.