BONE spurs appear to be the Achilles heel of the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the PBA Governors Cup.
Gelo Alolino and Doug Kramer are both in the injured list after undergoing procedure to remove bone spurs on their foot, leaving the team without the benefit of a complete roster for the season-ending meet.
Alolino isn’t expected to return until the end of September while Kramer will be out for four weeks.
Alolino, the sophomore Phoenix guard, has not seen action since the Commissioner’s Cup.
“Wala pang makuhang pamalit,” said coach Louie Alas after the Fuel Master won their conference debut, 113-107, against Columbian Dyip Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
At the moment, Alas is trying to do with the backcourt tandem of LA Revilla and Mike Gamboa, with RJ Jazul also playing the point from time to time.
“But si RJ kasi more effective sa shooting guard, kaya kailangan talaga namin ng isa pang option sa point guard,” said the Phoenix coach.
The arrival of Calvin Abueva, on the other hand, became timely for the Fuel Masters to compensate for the absence of the 6-foot-5 Kramer.
Abueva, acquired by Phoenix in a trade with Alaska, finished with 12 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks in his debut as a Fuel Master.
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