By JONAS TERRADO
Games Monday
(Angeles University Foundation)
4 p.m. – Phoenix vs Meralco
6:45 p.m. – Blackwater vs NorthPort
Phoenix Super LPG won’t be having Calvin Abueva when it takes on Meralco Monday in the PBA Philippine Cup inside the campus of Angeles University Foundation.
Games and Amusements Board chairman Baham Mitra said Sunday that Abueva is scheduled to attend the third and final seminar on the “Code of Conduct of a Professional Athlete” Wednesday before his professional license can be reinstated.
Mitra bared that it was the Phoenix management which requested for Abueva to attend the seminar slated 7 p.m.
“Phoenix team manager Paolo Bugia sent an email requesting for the last session to be held on Oct. 14, 2020, Wednesday, 7 p.m.,” said Mitra.
The development will prolong the much-awaited comeback of Abueva, who is still serving an indefinite suspension by PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial in June 2019.
It has been a difficult journey for Abueva after initially being left out of the 25-man contingent that will enter the bubble due to his suspension.
But Abueva was eventually allowed to join the Clark bubble by the league, even approving his inclusion in the 15-player roster provided he completes all necessary requirements of GAB.
Abueva has attended two seminars via online and had taken a mandatory drug test inside the Clark bubble.
If he completes the final day of the seminar, the eyes will now be on Marcial if it’s enough to reinstate “The Beast.”
Topex Robinson will make his debut as Fuel Masters mentor as he attempts to produce a winning start, regardless if Abueva suits up or not.
Looking to spoil things is Meralco, seeking to finally have a good showing after going 11-33 in the last four editions of the All-Filipino tournament.
But the Bolts are hoping that things can change, especially with Raymond Almazan playing with the team for the first time in a non-import conference.
Almazan is also expected to see action after a knee injury forced him to miss the remainder of Meralco’s loss to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in last season’s PBA Governors’ Cup Finals.
NorthPort squares off with Blackwater at 6:45 p.m. in the final game of the second day of hostilities inside the PBA bubble.
