Bubble entry a victory in itself for Abueva

MANILA, Philippines — Phoenix Super LPG intends to make the most of the opportunity to have suspended Calvin Abueva with the team in the bubble, whether or not he gets to eventually suit up in the PBA restart in Clark.

Abueva, who’s been in the freezer since June 2019, was allowed to join the Fuel Masters for their scrimmages in the Clark bubble. They hope to get him reinstated in time for the Oct. 11 Philippine Cup resumption.

“(We’re) grateful for the opportunity that the PBA Commissioner’s Office allowed Calvin to practice with the team here at the bubble,” interim coach Topex Robinson told The STAR.

“That’s already a big win for us because he makes such an impact to energize the team and make practice more competitive,” the debuting Phoenix mentor added.

Abueva entered the bubble Tuesday night in a busy day that saw him meet with the PBA execs and Games and Amusements Board to appeal for his reinstatement.

“No official decision yet on official games,” said team manager Paolo Bugia.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial had reiterated that Abueva still needs to complete the conditions for the lifting of his ban.

Abueva had also sought GAB’s permission to play again and his request will be tackled in the next board meeting, according to chairman Baham Mitra.

“He will undergo a seminar on Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards of A Professional Athlete once the GAB board decides to give back his license,” said Mitra.

Abueva and company as do their fellow players, await the start of the 5-on-5 scrimmages at the Angeles University Foundation. The AUF facilities underwent disinfection yesterday ahead of the expected start of full contact training today.

In the meantime, the teams settled for limited individual workouts online while in isolation at Quest Hotel.

“Still quarantined inside our respective rooms, awaiting swab test results. We are doing Zoom online team workouts in the meantime,” said Bugia.