
CLARK FREEPORT--Phoenix Super LPG got off to a rousing start to its campaign in the PBA bubble, thrashing the Meralco Bolts, 116-98, even without its star forward Calvin Abueva.Â
Abueva is still in the process of regaining his professional license, which was revoked days after his suspension due to clotheslining TNT import Terrence Jones and showing lewd gestures to Ray Parks' girlfriend last year.Â
"We would love to have him but it's also not an excuse for us not to compete without him," said the Fuel Masters' head coach Topex Robinson after his victorious coaching debut.Â
Robinson bared that the 32-year-old Abueva has been active in helping the team, even acting as a coach in Phoenix's practices.Â
"He's really been the best practice player of our team. He's also one of our coaches right now. I've never seen him coach a team like that," said Robinson.Â
"Sabi ko nga, 'wag mo muna ko tanggalan ng trabaho. Player ka muna, coach muna ko," he added in jest.Â
Abueva will have one last online seminar with the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) on October 14 before the PBA decides to let him play again.
For now, Robinson and the Fuel Masters will have to wait if Abueva will be able to suit up in their game against NorthPort on Thursday.Â