Magnolia’s Calvin Abueva #73 against Blackwater’s Prince Caperal #4 in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup. Photo from PBA Images.MANILA — Calvin Abueva was among the key cogs as the Magnolia Hotshots opened their PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup campaign with a convincing victory over Blackwater Bossing.

The veteran forward put up 13 points and six rebounds in only 17:40 minutes of gameplay, and this allowed Magnolia to dominate Blackwater, 106-84, on Saturday.

However, despite the usual energy and toughness that ‘The Beast’ has been known to bring ever since his collegiate days at San Sebastian College-Recoletos, there was something new with the Kapampangan.

Abueva is now officially using the No.73 jersey which is not only different from his #13, but also a first as he used the numbers 7, 12, 8, and 88 in his previous squads.

“Na-realize ko na kailangan kong gamitin yun this conference,” revealed Abueva before exiting the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. “My age, 37, binaliktad ko lang siya.”

Aside from a play on his current age, the number change, according to Calvin, is also his way to pay homage to NBA legend Dennis Rodman whom he has been compared to throughout the years.

“Pinalitan ko lang yung 1 ng 7, and yung number na yun, alam niyo na kung sino yan. Para kay Rodman, old number niya,” said Abueva.

Rodman, known for his Nos. 91 with the Chicago Bulls and 10 with the Detroit Pistons, briefly used the No.73 during his short stint with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Coincidentally, the 5-time NBA Champion was also 37 years old when he used the same number.

But aside from the parallels between the two charismatic, undersized forwards, what Abueva wants is to live up to his billing anew especially since they are looking to bounce back from their quarterfinals exit in the previous conference.

“Ngayon, kailangan ko i-prepare yung sarili ko para sa number na yun,” he emphasized.