CALVIN Tuadles will forever be grateful to his late brother Arnie for paving the way for him to make it to the PBA, albeit for only a brief time.

Tuadles played for Southwestern University in the Cebu college leagues before he was drafted by Formula Shell in the fourth round of the 1989 draft - arguably the deepest ever headlined by rookie-MVP Benjie Paras.

Calvin ended up becoming teammates with Arnie, who by then was winding down a successful career in the PBA. They won one championship together during the 1990 First Conference, before Arnie was traded the following conference.

He was out of the PBA in 1993, but made a comeback in 1999 when he played for the Socsargen Marlins in the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) until 2001.

“That time, of course, nag-enjoy din ako,” said Calvin in a brief interview with SPIN.ph when asked about his playing career in the PBA. “At the same time, si Arnie naman talaga ang nag-mentor sa akin nung nasa PBA ako.

“Lahat ng binigay niyang pointers, nakuha ko kaya siguro nakapasok ako sa PBA. Nagpapasalamat ako sa kapatid ko,” said Tuadles, who turned 60 on April 21.

“Of course, we (whole family) are happy because he was selected in the 50 Greatest Players of all time,” said Calvin. “As long as umabot siya sa 50, of course, we are happy. My opinion is he is deserving. Marami siyang achievements.”

Calvin is currently a councilor in Danao City, Cebu province where he is also seeking a third term in the coming midterm elections in May.

PHOTO: PBA Media Bureau

Though he is no longer directly connected to basketball, Calvin remains close to sports being the chairman of the Committee on Sports Development and Games and Amusements, according to the Danao City website.

“I’m already in Cebu in Danao City. Naging konsehal din ako sa Danao City, so sa service ang ginagawa ko,” said Tuadles.

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