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Saturday, October 19, 2013

Calvin Abueva bested June Mar Fajardo for Rookie of the Year award

Alaska forward Calvin Abueva won Rookie of the Year honors in the PBA’s Leo Awards on Friday, beating out a late challenge from Petron Blaze center June Mar Fajardo.

The brash Alaska rookie, the second overall pick in last year’s draft, made an immediate impact with the Aces despite joining the team late to finish his stint with San Sebastian in the NCAA. Abueva sparked the Aces to a surprise run to the semifinals of the Philippine Cup.

He was instrumental for Alaska as the Aces marched to the finals of the Commissioner’s Cup, where they swept Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in three games to win their first title in the post-Tim Cone era.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng bumoto sa akin, at sa mga haters ko,” said Abueva after winning the award.

Abueva had to turn back a late challenge from Fajardo, the top overall pick who came on strong in the Governors’ Cup to threaten for the trophy.

In the end, however, it was Abueva’s season-long brilliance the won out. He averaged a near double-double with 12.3 points and 9.4 rebounds in 51 games for Alaska.

 source
 

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