By Waylon Galvez
When the PBA Philippine Cup resumes on Oct. 9, several teams will be missing their key players in Clark, Pampanga.
Already without reigning six-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) June Mar Fajardo who is yet to fully recover from a left shin injury, San Miguel Beer will also be missing the services of backup forward Matt Ganualas-Rosser.
“Matthew was not able to make it due to family concerns in the US,” SMB mentor Leo Austria said Wednesday.
The NLEX Road Warriors will also be without two key players from the previous season, Cyrus Baguio – who was left out of the roster for the ‘bubble’ restart – and Larry Fonacier.
NLEX coach Yeng Guiao said family health concerns has forced Fonacier to stay in Metro Manila.
Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok will be without veteran forward Marc Pingris, who is still recovering from an ankle injury.
Even without the Pingris, the Hotshots valiantly battled the Beermen in last year’s PH Cup finals, forcing their title series to a Game 7.
“Si Ping (Pingris) lang naman ang wala, 14-man lineup kami. Rafi Reavis is ready to play,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero, referring to the 43-year-old center, who is now in his 19th season.
The team will also be playing minus PJ Simon, who was with the team when the league originally started its season last March 8, but recently announced his retirement after 17 seasons in the PBA.
NorthPort Batang Pier guard Robert Bolick also opted not to join as he continues to recover from a right knee injury he sustained last season. Although he resumed training recently, management decided it is best for the onetime San Beda stalwart not to return to action.
Veteran Sonny Thoss and Kelly Williams will no longer play for the Alaska Aces and TNT Tropang Giga, respectively, with the latter opting to retire.
Phoenix Fuel forward Calvin Abueva has joined the team inside the ‘bubble’ although his spot on the team remains uncertain.
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel is without 7-foot center Greg Slaughter, whose contract with the team expired early this year. Although his rights are still with the Kings, he remains unsigned as he continues to train in the US.
As for Blackwater, new coach Nash Racela said they are without three players as bigmen Carl Bryan Cruz and James Sena are still recuperating from injuries, while rookie Chris Bitoon was left out due to a loaded roster spot.
“Ang dami naming guards ngayon e,” said Racela.
Rain or Shine, according to mentor Caloy Garcia, will have a full 15-man roster inside the ‘bubble’ since the Elasto Painters recently welcomed two-time MVP James Yap and Kris Rosales as the two returned from a long vacation in Italy and in the US, respectively.
