Several teams will be missing key players in Clark, Pampanga when the PBA resumes with the Philippine Cup on Oct. 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 be missing the services of backup forward Matt Ganualas-Rosser.
“Matthew was not able to make it due to family concerns in the US,” SMB mentor Leo Austria said Wednesday.
The NLEX Road Warriors will also be without two key players from the previous season, Cyrus Baguio – who was left out of the roster for the "bubble" estart – and Larry Fonacier.
According to NLEX coach Yeng Guiao, family health concerns forced Fonacier to stay in Metro Manila.
Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok is without veteran forward Marc Pingris, who is still recovering from an ankle injury. Even without the Pingris, the team came close of winning the last season’s Philippine Cup when it extended the final series to a Game 7 against eventual five-time champion SMB.
“Si Ping (Pingris) lang naman ang wala, 14-man lineup kami. 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 is also without PJ Simon, who was with the team when the league originally started its 45th Season last March 8, but had announced his retirement after 17 seasons in the PBA.
NorthPort Batang Pier guard Robert Bolick also opted not to join as he continues to recover from a right knee injury he sustained last season. Although he resumed training recently, management decided it is best for the former San Beda stalwart not to return to action.
Alaska and TNT have players that recently retired, Sonny Thoss for the Aces and Kelly Williams for the Tropang Giga.
Phoenix Fuel forward Calvin Abueva has joined the team inside the "bubble", although his spot in the team remains uncertain as he awaits the decision of Commissioner Willie Marcial to lift his indefinite suspension.
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel is without 7-foot center Greg Slaughter, whose contract with the team expired early this year. Although his rights are still with the Kings, he remains unsigned as he continues to train in the US.
As for Blackwater, new coach Nash Racela said they are without three players as bigmen Carl Bryan Cruz and James Sena are still recuperating from injuries, while rookie Chris Bitoon was left out due to a loaded roster spot.
“Ang dami naming guards ngayon e,” said Racela.
Rain or Shine, according to mentor Caloy Garcia, will have a full 15-man roster inside the "bubble" since the Elasto Painters recently welcomed two-time MVP James Yap and Kris Rosales as the two returned from a long vacation in Italy and in the US, respectively.