Key players who will miss the PBA ‘bubble’

Several teams will be missing key players in Clark, Pampanga when the PBA resumes with the Philippine Cup on October 9.

Already without reigning six-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) June Mar Fajardo, who is out with a left shin injury, San Miguel Beer will also miss the services of backup forward Matt Ganualas-Rosser.

“Matthew was unable to attend due to family concerns in the US,” SME mentor Leo Austria said Wednesday.

The NLEX Road Warriors will also be left without two key players from the previous season, Cyrus Baguio, who was left off the list for the “bubble” estart, and Larry Fonacier.

According to NLEX coach Yeng Guiao, family health issues 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 team came close to winning the Philippine Cup last season when they extended the final series to Game 7 against the eventual five-time SMB champion.

“Si Ping (Pingris) lang naman ang wala, kami of the 14-man lineup. 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 also does not have PJ Simon, who was with the team when the league originally began its 45th season on March 8, but had announced his retirement after 17 seasons in the PBA.

NorthPort Batang Pier guard Robert Bolick also chose not to join as he continues to recover from a right knee injury suffered last season. Although he recently resumed training, management decided that the former San Beda stalwart had better not return to action.

Alaska and TNT have recently retired players, Sonny Thoss for the Aces and Kelly Williams for the Tropang Giga.

Phoenix Fuel forward Calvin Abueva has joined the team within the “bubble,” though his place on the team remains uncertain as he awaits commissioner Willie Marcial’s decision to lift his indefinite suspension.

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel does not feature 7-foot center Greg Slaughter, whose contract with the team expired earlier this year. Although his rights are still with the Kings, he remains unsigned as he continues to coach in the US.

As for Blackwater, new coach Nash Racela said they don’t have three players, as greats Carl Bryan Cruz and James Sena are still reeling from injuries, while rookie Chris Bitoon was left out due to a full spot at the list.

“Now we have a lot of guards,” Racela said.

Rain or Shine, according to mentor Caloy Garcia, will have a full 15-man roster inside the “bubble” as the Elasto Painters recently welcomed two-time MVP James Yap and Kris Rosales when the two returned from a long vacation. in Italy and the United States, respectively.