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The Phoenix Fuel Masters have included Calvin Abueva in their 25-man delegation for the Philippines Cup restart in Clark, Pampanga, in the hope that the indefinite ban on the suspended forward will be lifted in time for the PBA bubble.
“He is part of the 25-man roster, hoping the commissioner will reinstate him before the start of the bubble conference,” team manager Paolo Bugia told ESPN5.com on Tuesday.
On Sunday, Abueva posted a photo of himself on Instagram with a caption: “The return is real.”
ESPN5.com asked the PBA for comment, but Commissioner Willie Marcial said there were no updates yet on Abueva’s status.
“Not yet (nothing yet), “Marcial said in a text message.
Phoenix can only hope that the Commissioner’s office reinstates Abueva before the bubble begins.
Meanwhile, the Fuel Masters beefed up their coaching staff by selecting Jamike Jarin and Rich Alvarez to join interim head coach Topex Robinson for the bubble conference.
Jarin was a decorated mentor to fans, having won titles for the San Beda Red Lions and the Ateneo Blue Eaglets. He was also an assistant coach with the Meralco Bolts before leaving to coach the NU Bulldogs for three seasons.
The first pick in the 2004 PBA Draft, Alvarez was previously an assistant coach for the Kia franchise.
“We are looking at them for now until such time as we can sign them more permanently,” Bugia said.
Pending approval from the Interagency Task Force, the PBA plans to resume the All-Filipino conference on October 9.
The gymnasium of the University of Angeles Foundation in the city of Angeles, Pampanga, will host the games.
