Ganuelas-Rosser opts out of SMB's PBA 'bubble' campaign

MANILA, Philippines – Matt Ganuelas-Rosser won’t be joining San Miguel Beer in its title retention drive in the PBA’s bubble restart in Clark.

The 6-foot-4 Rosser has opted out of the tournament resumption due to family matters, becoming the third player to do so after NLEX duo Larry Fonacier and Cyrus Baguio.

"Matt couldn't make it on time for the bubble because of family matters," SMB team manager Gee Abanilla told the STAR.

Rosser had left for the US while league activity was on hold. Due to the pandemic and the California forest fires, the Fil-Am forward couldn't book a flight back to Manila to catch up with SMB"s individual workouts and eventually the Philippine Cup resumption on Oct. 11.

"He planned to plane in last Sept. 15 but his schedule was disrupted because of the forest fire in California, which compounded his problems all the more," said Abanilla.

"He said that he wanted to join the team so badly but just couldn't manage his situation with his family and his extended family as well," he added.

The absence of Rosser added to the hole the defending champions will have to plug in as they face their challengers in the All-Filipino reopening.

The Beermen’s top gun, six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, is sitting this one out as he continues his recovery program following the shin injury he sustained last February.

Mo Tautuaa, Fajardo’s chief backup, and veterans Arwind Santos, Alex Cabagnot and Chris Ross, as well as shooter Terrence Romeo are expected to step up in SMB's chase for No. 6 in the bubble.

The San Miguel delegation is scheduled to leave for Clark Tuesday afternoon after completing the mandatory five-day home quarantine before departure.