IS Rabeh Al-Hussaini back in the good graces of Blackwater?
SPIN.ph has learned from sources that the eccentric big man is set to make a comeback with the team, weeks after a falling-out with the Elite in the offseason after he went absent without leave.
The veteran big man has yet to show up in Blackwater’s practices but appears to have been given the go-signal by management to re-join the ballclub upon the intercession of coach Bong Ramos.
Calls and text messages sent to Blackwater management have yet to be returned as of posting time.
Apparently the Elite’s short rotation of big men convinced Ramos of the need to reactivate the 6-foot-7 Al-Hussaini, who was previously suspended by the franchise for missing team practices in the preseason.
Al-Hussaini’s acquisition was among the first moves initiated when Ramos took over as Blackwater head coach. The team let go of Dave Marcelo to acquire the services of the former UAAP MVP from Ateneo.
Al-Hussaini, who also wore out his welcome at Meralco, served as back-up to former resident big man Poy Erram, who has since been traded to NLEX.
The exit of Erram coupled by Al-Hussaini’s suspension left Blackwater lacking in the frontcourt with rookie Abu Tratter and James Sena alternating as the team’s starting center.
So far, the Elite are off to a slow start in the season-opener PBA Philippine Cup with a 0-2 record.
They recently held an overnight team building at Subic facilitated by former PBA player Padim Israel.
Blackwater plays its next game on Jan. 30 against Rain or Shine at the Astrodome.
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